The giant lock has not played since breaking his arm in his last game for the Bulls in the Super 14 – but coach Brian McLaughlin was quick to hand Muller the leadership responsibility in the absence of Chris Henry and Rory Best.

And Muller is relishing the opportunity to take the captaincy in his first game for the club.

He said: “I've always enjoyed the leadership responsibility, I love working with people and especially with a young squad like Ulster's and it is great to see the amount of talent here.

“If we can look after these guys and bring them through the system I think in the years to come Ulster are going to have a wonderful side, I really enjoy the captaincy and I have an opportunity tonight although I'm just standing in, it's really exciting and I'm looking forward to it.

“I just want to get on out the pitch and get some game time, also I'm coming back from injury and haven't played for about five months so I'm excited about playing.

“I'm coming in to play for a new club and that is something I am really looking forward to and hopefully I can do my talking on the field.”