Ulster Rugby will welcome 600 supporters to the 18,211-seater Kingspan Stadium on Friday night for the first game of the 2020/21 Guinness Pro14 season.

The trial to reintroduce supporters and other valued members of the Ulster Rugby family follows a comprehensive consultation process with local government, Belfast City Council and the IRFU.

In total, around 850 people will attend the season opener against Benetton Rugby.

The event provides the club to test a safe and manageable return to operations at Ravenhill. 

Fans will be asked to provide feedback on their experience.

Ulster Rugby CEO, Jonny Petrie, said: "Following a number of very challenging months for us all, I'm encouraged that this weekend will mark the measured return of a limited number of spectators to Kingspan Stadium.

"It seems only fitting that the fans who chose to support us by buying a membership, during what is likely to be one of the most difficult times we will face as a club, will be able to join us in the stands as we kick-off the new  season at home.

"This event is the culmination of a considerable amount of planning and preparation from across Ulster Rugby - together with the IRFU, Belfast City Council and local government - to ensure this is a safe and managed return to the Friday night lights.

"We hope the upcoming match will be the solid foundation on which we can continue to build towards once again being able to all stand up together."