Robert Baloucoune returns for Ulster in Challenge Cup final

Michael Bolton

Ulster winger Robert Baloucoune has returned from injury for their Challenge Cup final against Montpellier on Friday night in Bilbao.

Baloucoune has been out with an injury since Ireland's triple crown win over Scotland in the Six Nations.

Nick Timoney captains the side in the back-row, with Iain Henderson suspended for the final due to his red card against the Stormers. Hooker Rob Herring is also out with an injury.

Stuart McCloskey misses the game through injury, with Jude Postlethwaite starting the game at inside centre.

Jacob Stockdale is also out due to an injury, with Zac Ward starting on the left wing and Michael Lowry at full-back.

Ulster must win the tournament to qualify for the Champions Cup next season after finishing outside the top eight of the URC.

Should they win, it would be Connacht who miss out on Champions Cup rugby, unless they win the URC.

Ulster's last piece of silverware came in the 2006 Celtic League (now the URC) while the 1999 European Cup remains their sole European triumph.

Ulster team to play Montpellier: M Lowry; R Baloucoune, J Hume, J Postlethwaite, Z Ward; J Murphy, N Doak; A Bell, T Stewart, T O'Toole, H Sheridan, C Izuchukwu, D McCann, N Timoney (captain), J Augustus.

Replacements: J McCormick, E O'Sullivan, S Wilson, C Irvine, B Ward, C McKee, J Flannery, E McIlroy.