Iain Henderson set for Ulster return against Dragons

Ireland international Iain Henderson is set to make his appearance this season for Ulster when they host Dragons at Kingspan Stadium on Friday.

The 27-year-old last played in June for the British and Irish Lions in the 31-31 drawn game against Hurricanes. Even though he did play all the tour games except the one against Crusaders for Warren Gatland's team in the recently concluded tour of New Zealand, he failed to make an appearance in any of the three Tests against All Blacks.

Ulster Director of Rugby Les Kiss confirmed that Henderson has been cleared to make a comeback off the bench while his Ireland team-mate Jared Payne, who missed the series decided Test for Lions against New Zealand in Auckland due to headaches is expected to return in the following weekend when Ulster travel to Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi to take on Zebre.

"Hendy will be back and come off the bench for us," said Kiss. "In terms of Jared, from next week he will be available."

Ulster had already confirmed that Ireland captain Rory Best will be sidelined for up to six weeks with a hamstring tear while Marcell Coetzee continues his recovery from a knee surgery.

"It’s the knee so we’re just making sure it’s all in a good place and go through the right processes," Kiss said. "He’s got fluid in it so it’s just working through that and making sure it’s clear on all that.

"We’re just looking after it and it may be a case that this knee flares up every now and then. We’re just keeping an eye on it at this stage. Hopefully if not this week, (he’ll return) next week."

Ulster are currently positioned second in Conference B behind Leinster after winning all the three games this season.