Ulster Rugby is shaking things up for their biggest game of the season, with academy stars Wilhelm De Klerk and Bryn Ward getting the nod among 10 changes for Friday's United Rugby Championship showdown against league leaders Glasgow Warriors in Belfast.

It's crunch time for the northern province, who need a win to lock in a play-off spot and secure Champions Cup qualification. The return of Rob Herring and James Hume from injury provides a massive boost, but captain Iain Henderson is sidelined as his disciplinary hearing looms following a red card against the Stormers.

With a Challenge Cup final against Montpellier in Bilbao on May 22 also on the horizon, this is a defining period for Ulster. The squad is digging deep, blending experience with fresh talent to get the job done.

Sam Crean starts at loosehead prop, while Tom O'Toole—who missed last week's draw through illness—returns at tighthead alongside Herring. Harry Sheridan and Charlie Irvine anchor the second row, with development prospect Joe Hopes and academy star Ward getting their chance in the back row. Nick Timoney keeps the openside flanker role and captains the side, while Conor McKee and Jake Flannery pair up at half-back.

In the midfield, De Klerk makes his first start at inside centre, partnering Hume outside him. The back three remains unchanged after all scoring tries against the Stormers: Zac Ward on the left wing, Werner Kok on the right, and Michael Lowry at full-back.

On the bench, forwards Tom Stewart, Angus Bell, Scott Wilson, Cormac Izuchukwu, and Lorcan McLoughlin provide cover, while Nathan Doak, Jack Murphy, and Ethan McIlroy offer backline options.

Glasgow arrive in Belfast sitting one point clear at the top of the URC table, fresh off snapping a three-game winless streak against Cardiff. Expect fireworks as Ulster look to rise to the occasion.