Steward hits 100 as Henderson returns for Ulster

In Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup match between Ulster and Leicester Tigers, Freddie Steward will make his 100th appearance.

As he celebrates his 100th caps since graduating from the Tigers’ academy, the England international will play at fullback.

Iain Henderson will lead Ulster as they approach Welford Road, where they will be able to recover from an injury.

In the midst of a run of five consecutive defeats, which was only ended by a win over Connacht in December, the Irish province have lost both of their European matches to Toulouse and Bordeaux.

In their second game before Christmas, Leicester defeated South African side Sharks despite losing their opening match against Bordeaux.

After the Tigers defeated the Exeter Chiefs on Saturday, Michael Cheika makes three changes.

At lock, center Izaia Perese and back row Finn Carnduff will start for the club while injured reserve Jed Holloway makes his debut.

Although Tom O’Toole has been suspended, Ulster are benefitted by the return of Henderon and full-back Ethan McIlroy, who are also out injured in Ireland.

After Herring’s calf injury forced him to start at hooker, John Andrew was chosen to start, and Andrew Warwick takes over for Eric O’Sullivan.

Leicester Tigers: Steward, Bassett, Perese, Kata, Hassell-Collins, Pollard, Van Poortvliet, Smith, Montoya (capt), Heyes, Henderson, Holloway, Carnduff, Reffell, Cracknell.

Replacements: Clare, Whitcombe, Cole, Wells, Ilione, Youngs, Shillcock, Woodward.

Ulster: McIlroy, Kok, Carson, Postlewaite, Ward, Morgan, Doak, Warwick, Andrew, Wilson, Henderson (capt), Izuchukwu, McNabney, Timoney, McCann.