Glasgow Warriors have been boosted by the return of British and Irish Lion Stuart Hogg to their starting line-up for the visit of Newport Gwent Dragons tonight.
Following a six-week spell on the sidelines Hogg returns at full-back, while 21-year-old Finn Russell will make his first start for the club as he lines up at centre alongside DTH van der Merwe.
Hogg was forced to undergo wrist surgery that cost him his place in the Scotland squad for the Autumn Tests but Warriors coach Gregor Townsend is pleased to see him back for the Scotstoun clash.
Townsend has selected Byron McGuigan and Niko Matawalu to occupy the wing berths against the Welsh side, while fly-half Scott Wight will make only his second start of the season and first since the opening day victory over Cardiff Blues, with Henry Pyrgos named at scrum-half.
The entire pack are Scottish qualified players, with Al Kellock returning to action after suffering concussion in the Scotland match against Japan. Rob Harley, Chris Fusaro and Richie Vernon form the back row while on the bench former Perthshire and Dundee HSFP back Jack Steele could make his PRO12 debut.
The former Scotland Under-20 player, who can play centre, wing or full-back, is on a developmental contract with the Warriors.
Alan Solomons admits his Edinburgh side will face one of the best teams in Europe when they take on Ulster at Ravenhill tonight.
The Gunners head coach returns to Belfast to face the side he used to lead for the first time since taking up his post with the capital club.
“For me, this is going to be a really tough fixture but presents these players with an opportunity to build on their performance against Zebre in a tougher fixture, against a highly ranked side at a very tough venue,” said Solomons.