Scott Murray returns for Edinburgh

Bell skippers Ulster in the absence of Ward, who is sidelined with a foot injury.

David Humphreys and Gary Longwell are absent due to international commitments in Limerick, while Jeremy Davidson's hip injury could rule him out of the line-up

Bell's elevation was announced by coach Alan Solomons, who makes four changes and two positional switches from last week's outing.

This will the 28-year-old's 61st appearance for the province after making his debut back in 1993.

Bell, who has been troubled with injury throughout his career, had a spell at Northampton and has won 35 international caps.

The highlight of his career was lifting the man of the match award when Ulster defeated Colomiers in the European Cup final in 1999.

Meanwhile, Ward's replacement in a restructured back-row is young Neil McMillan who will operate at openside.

Springbok Warren Brosnihan now switches to blind with Russell Nelson returning to number 8 after missing the Ebbw Vale game through injury.

Tony McWhirter, who started at number 8 in Wales, is now down as one of the second rows along with Mark Blair if Davidson is fit enough to start.

Paddy Wallace will switch from full-back to take over the fly-half spot from Humphreys, with Bryn Cunningham wearing the number 15 jersey.