Ulster Rugby's fine start to the season - they are the only unbeaten professional side in Europe - has led to half-backs Paddy Jackson and Paul Marshall earning call-ups to the Irish national squad.
The two men have been instrumental in helping Ulster remain unbeaten in eight games to date this season, including their two Heineken Cup triumphs in Pool 4 over Castres Olympique and Glasgow Warriors in Pool 4.
Their next assignment will be a re-match of their Heineken Cup quarter-final clash with Northampton Saints of two seasons ago when they travel to face the English Premiership side at Franklin's Gradens in Round 3.
Jackson and Marshall are among seven additions announced to the Irish Squad this week by head coach Declan Kidney - four of them from Ulster. Twice capped prop Declan Fitzpatrick and the uncapped wing Craig Gilroy join them.
There were also call-ups for Connacht wing Tiernan O'Halloran and Leinster hooker Ciaran Cronin as Kidney seeks cover for injury worries ahead of the November test window.
Ireland Squad Additions
Seán Cronin (Leinster)
Craig Gilroy (Ulster)*
Paddy Jackson (Ulster)*
Paul Marshall (Ulster)*
Tiernan O'Halloran (Connacht)*
Michael Bent (Leinster)*
Declan Fitzpatrick (Ulster)
*uncapped
