Ireland lock Henderson to make Ulster return

Ireland lock Iain Henderson will return from injury in Ulster's Pro14 encounter with the Ospreys on Friday.

Henderson missed the defeat to England and victory over Scotland due to a finger injury, but will make his comeback ahead of schedule.

It was feared the second row could miss the entire tournament, so his return to fitness will be a big plus for Joe Schmidt following the loss of Devin Toner (ankle).

Henderson will be joined in the Ulster starting line-up by scrum-half John Cooney, who was released from international duty to take on the region.

Defending champions Ireland face Italy in Rome a week on Sunday following a rest weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT versus Opsreys Milestone for @Stuart_Mc12 @HendersonIain returns @JCooney09 & @Jordimurphy available Academy players in starting XV pic.twitter.com/2l5CKkAXHU

— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) February 14, 2019