New players aiming to impress at Eaton Park

John Andrews has brought in an influx of new faces while at the same time, a number of other players have moved on.

"We have really strengthened our back line and they will all have a part to play during the season.

"We've signed a number of players from junior rugby, players who aren't afraid to run with the ball, and then we will have some of the Ulster guys to come in around them."

Among the new faces are Johnny Shiels (Queen's and Ulster Academy), Martin Irwin (Ballymoney), John Semple (Limavady), Adam Neil (Cooke), Rory Henderson (Ballyclare) and Connor Smith (Coleraine).

Andrews has also been able to tap into his vast wealth of knowledge of the schools' rugby scene in order to add to his panel.

"We have been able to add some of the top players in Ulster schools' rugby from last season which is a big plus."

Among them are two members of Andrews' Schools' Cup winning Ballymena Academy side, prop Kris Galloway and giant second row forward David Whann, who is likely to assume the key position of lineout jumper.

Other players stepping up from the schools' stage include ex-Cambridge House duo Adrian Hamilton and Maury McDowell, along with Blane McIlroy, formerly of Methodist College.

Staying on an educational theme, the return of no less than four players who have completed their university studies - Ross Connor, Chris Smith, Alastair Frazer and David Perry - will also give the coach options in a number of positions.

And those options could prove very important is Andrews loses the services of out-half Luke Marshall, who seems destined to go a long way in the game.

Having already been part of the Ulster Ravens set-up, the former Ballymena Academy player recently served up a man-of-the-match performance in a representative game marking the opening of the new Aviva Stadium in Dublin and he has already forced his way into Brian McLaughlin's plans for the senior squad.

"Luke is part of the Ulster Academy set-up and we would probably have expected him to be available for the AIL games but the way he has started off the season he may well have other commitments at a higher level," said John.

On the debit side, Ballymena will be without Bob Young, who has retired from the game due to knee problems, while Peter Budina is moving to live in Canada.

Also moving away is last season's skipper Sam McKinney, who is heading to London through work commitments.

The team this season will be led by stalwart Darrell O'Kane who marked his return from injury by playing down the club before battling his way back into First XV contention.

"Darrell has given the club many years of great service and he will be an excellent captain," said Andrews.