James McCollum will skipper the Northern Knights in their 2023 interpro opener away at Leinster Lightning on Tuesday.

He takes the reins with Mark Adair away on international duty, although they will have Tom Mayes available after he was released early from the ssquad that was playing Bangladesh in England.

Mayes is one of five South African born players in the 12-man squad, which features Tyron Koen for the first time - the CIYMS all-rounder one of three representatives from Belmont along with Ross Adair and John Matchett.

Neil Rock is the only player from outside the region included, and he will don the gloves for Simon Johnston's side once again this year.

Cade Carmichael has started the season strongly for Instonians and he will be looking to bring that form into the interpro arena.

Action at Sydney Parade on Tuesday starts at 10:45am.

NORTHERN KNIGHTS

James McCollum (capt) (Waringstown)
Ross Adair (CIYMS)
Cade Carmichael (Instonians)
Matthew Foster (CSNI)
Matthew Humphreys (Lisburn)
Tyron Koen (CIYMS)
Josh Manley (Lisburn)
John Matchett (CIYMS)
Tom Mayes (North Down)
Neil Rock (wk) (Rush)
Morgan Topping (Waringstown)
Ruhan Pretorius (Woodvale)