Ulster Rugby Ulster set to sign Highlanders back Faddes Close 1/1 Ulster’s Michael Lowry in action. Photo: Sportsfile Gallery 1 Ulster’s Michael Lowry in action. Photo: Sportsfile

Ulster are not resting on their laurels after securing their place in the last eight of the Champions Cup for the first time in five years as Dan McFarland moves to strengthen his squad for next season.

The province are understood to be close to securing the services of Highlanders utility back Matt Faddes.

The 27-year-old has 37 Super Rugby caps to his name and played at Kingspan Stadium with the Barbarians last year. He can play centre or on the wing.

Faddes is not believed to be Irish-qualified but the IRFU are expected to approve the deal.

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The province's focus tonight is building on their wins over Racing 92 and Leicester as they turn their attention to the PRO14.

"The senior players emphasised throughout the week that getting to the quarter-finals doesn't happen too often," Michael Lowry said after being named at out-half for the visit of conference rivals Benetton.

"You don't want to stop at the quarter-finals. We have to keep pushing on and try to be better each time. We want to build on our performances in Europe so far."

Ulster may be on a high in the Champions Cup but they have lost two in a row in the PRO14. Verdict: Ulster

Ulster - M Lowry; R Baloucoune, J Hume, S McCloskey, L Ludik; B Burns, D Shanahan; A Warwick, R Herring, M Moore; A O'Connor (capt), K Treadwell; I Nagle, N Timoney, G Jones. Reps: J Andrew, W Herbst, T O'Toole, M Dalton, C Ross, J Stewart, D Cave, R Lyttle.

Benetton - L Sperandio; R Tavuyara, T Iannone, M Zanon, M Ioane; I McKinley (capt), D Duvenage; N Quaglio, H Faiva, M Riccioni; I Herbst, F Ruzza; M Lazzaroni, M Lamaro, T Halafihi. Reps: T Baravalle, C Traore, S Ferrari, M Fuser, G Pettinelli, M Barbini, E Gori, I Brex.

Ref - N Owens (WRU).

Ulster v Benetton, Live, FreeSports, 7.35

Irish Independent