Joe Schmidt has received a timely boost to his autumn preparations after international Iain Henderson prepares to make his first start of the season.
The Ulster and Ireland forward last played for the British & Irish Lions in a pulsating 31-31 draw against Hurricanes in New Zealand.
The 25-year-old – who can play lock or flanker – made his debut in green in 2012 and despite playing in every tour match bar one in New Zealand, he did not make an appearance in any of the three Tests against the All Blacks.
Henderson is now expected to return to the matchday squad for Ulster when they take on Dragons at Kingspan tomorrow while Ireland teammate Jared Payne is set to return the weekend after following injury.
Ulster Director of Rugby, Les Kiss, said: “Hendy will be back and come off the bench for us. In terms of Jared, from next week he will be available.”
Ireland will face South Africa, Fiji and Argentina, all at the Aviva Stadium, in Dublin, this November as part of the Guinness Series.
It will be welcome news to the Irish head coach to see the return of two of his big names but captain Rory Best could be a doubt for the internationals.
The 35-year-old hooker, who also captained the Lions in New Zealand, is set to be sidelined for up to six weeks with a hamstring tear which could leave him out of the three games.
Following the three internationals this autumn, Ireland travel to the Stade de France on February 3 for their opening game of the 2018 Six Nations, having finished second earlier this year with three wins.