Ulster Wing Tommy Bowe insists his surprise inclusion in the British and Irish Lions squad was a huge confidence boost, and he plans to prove the selectors right by helping his side to a RaboDirect PRO12 title.

The 29-year-old was selected as part of Warren Gatland’s 37-man touring party to Australia in the summer and after missing this year’s Six Nations through injury, Bowe felt a lack of game time may put him at a disadvantage.

But now his seat on the plane is guaranteed, the former Ospreys man insists he now wants to spend as much time on the pitch as possible, starting with the final RaboDirect PRO12 league encounter with Cardiff Blues.

The Irish region currently sit top of the table, three points clear of Irish rivals Lensiter and with a win securing a home semi-final, Bowe hopes he has at least three more games to rediscover his form.

“I need game time after my lay-off. There are potentially three games left in Ulster's season and, hopefully, I will play as much of those three games as is possible,” said Bowe.

"I found it hard to concentrate in training. It certainly wasn't ideal to miss the Six Nations campaign through injury and that absolutely put me at a disadvantage.

"But to be selected after playing so little rugby is a huge boost of confidence. It is great that the coaches have so much faith in me. I'm thrilled.”

Ravenhill will host a sell-out crowd for the tenth time this season for what will be the 100^th appearance for both Chris Henry and Robbie Diack, whilst Sean Doyle is included in the squad for the first time since breaking his leg in October.

The Ulstermen have won their last three RaboDirect PRO12 games and have lost just once at home all season in the competition – a 16-12 defeat to Ospreys back in February.

Cardiff conversely have earned just six points from their last six league encounters and are without a win away from Cardiff Arms Park in their previous three games – last beating Ulster in February 2012 on home soil.

But director of rugby Phil Davies has named a strong XV for the trip to Ireland with Alex Cuthbert, another selected for the Lions, returning for the first time since tearing a hamstring for Wales in the Six Nations.

Dan Fish also starts at full-back having recovered from a shoulder injury with Rhys Patchell and Harry Robinson, both selected in the Wales Under-20s squad for the IRB Junior World Championships, both starting.

The departing Michael Paterson, leaving for Sale Sharks in the summer, will start his final game for the Blues at no.8, whilst another saying goodbye in Tom James starts on the bench. At Ravenhill, 7.45pm.

Referee: Neil Paterson (SRU, 51st competition game)
Assistant Referees: Sean Gallagher, Nigel Correll (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Peter Ferguson (IRFU)
TMO: Seamus McDowell (IRFU)

Live on BBC NI