Cave to captain Ulster A v Munster A

The Ulster A squad (sponsored by CD Group) to play Munster A at Naas RFC on Thursday has been finalised, with Darren Cave named as captain for the inter-provincial clash (kick off 3pm).

Head Coach Alex Codling can also call on Tommy Bowe, who will make his first appearance in an Ulster jersey this season after recovering from a knee injury sustained in Ireland’s World Cup quarter-final defeat against Argentina in October.

Ireland U20 star Johnny McPhillips, who signed a development contract with the Province earlier this week, will start at outhalf alongside Hughes Insurance Academy scrumhalf Dave Shanahan.

Sam Windsor will start in midfield with Cave, while Jacob Stockdale (left wing) and Mark Best (fullback) complete the backline.

Andy Warwick has overcome an illness and he will join John Andrew and Jonny Simpson in the front row. Academy duo Alex Thompson and John Donnan form an exciting second row combination and their performances will be closely monitored by Director of Rugby, Les Kiss. Stephen Mulholland, Clive Ross and Lorcan Dow, all capped at senior level, are named in the back row.

There are 11 players named among the replacements; Johnny Murphy, Michael Lagan, Craig Trenier, Tommy O’Hagan, Connor Smyth, Conor Joyce and Conall Boomer will offer cover up front, while Connor Young, Andrew Magrath, David Busby and Rory Scholes provide options across the backline.

?There is no admission fee for this fixture and all support is welcome.

Ulster A squad (sponsored by CD Group) to play Munster A, Thursday 7th April 2016, Naas RFC, 3.00pm:
(15-9):
Mark Best; Tommy Bowe, Darren Cave (captain), Sam Windsor, Jacob Stockdale; Johnny McPhillips, Dave Shanahan;
(1-8): Andrew Warwick, John Andrew, Jonny Simpson, Alex Thompson, John Donnan, Stephen Mulholland, Clive Ross, Lorcan Dow;
Replacements: Johnny Murphy, Michael Lagan, Craig Trenier, Tommy O’Hagan, Connor Smyth, Conor Joyce, Conall Boomer, Connor Young, Andrew Magrath, David Busby, Rory Scholes.