John Andrew to captain Ulster 'A' against Connacht Eagles in Armagh

Ulster Rugby Academy Manager, Gavin Hogg, has named the match day squad to take on Connacht Eagles this Friday in Ulster's opening 'A' Interprovincial Championship match at Palace Grounds in Armagh. (KO: 3pm)

The fixture will be streamed exclusively on Ulster Rugby Live from £5.

Tickets are £10 at the gate, with parking availability on a limited basis.

The starting XV features 11 senior players and three Academy talents, with the aim of getting important game time ahead of a busy winter period.

Experienced hooker, John Andrew, captains the side, with Callum Reid starting at loosehead prop and Rory McGuire starting at tighthead.

In an exciting second row pairing, Charlie Irvine joins fellow Development lock, Joe Hopes, in the forwards' engine room.

The back row features Matty Dalton at blindside flanker, with Marcus Rea starting at openside flanker.

After making his senior debut against Emirates Lions at Ellis Park last month, Academy forward, Bryn Ward, starts at number eight.

The experienced scrum-half, Dave Shanahan, starts alongside Jake Flannery at fly-half.

Academy winger, Ethan Graham, hopes to continue his strong AIL 1A scoring form for Ballynahinch RFC on the left wing.

Academy centre, Jonny Scott, starts at inside centre, joining Ben Carson at outside centre in the midfield.

Zac Ward starts on the right wing, keeping up his game time following an appearance for Ireland XV against Spain earlier this month.

Instonians RFC player, Bradley McNamara, starts at full-back, hoping to showcase his form from a strong AIL 1B campaign with the Belfast club.

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Rory McGuire starts at tighthead prop.

Senior hooker James McCormick and prop Bryan O'Connor are named among the replacements, with Academy prop Jacob Boyd, Academy hooker Henry Walker and Academy back-rower, Josh Stevens, also named.

Ulster age-grade and City of Armagh RFC forward, Thomas Dougan, is also named as a replacement.

Senior half backs, Conor McKee and James Humphreys provide the backline cover, alongside Ballynahinch RFC back, Matthew Booth.

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Bradley McNamara (Instonians RFC) starts at full-back.

Ulster 'A' v Connacht Eagles, Friday 21st November, 3pm, Palace Grounds, City of Armagh RFC, (Live on Ulster Rugby Live)

1\.    Callum Reid

2\.   John Andrew (C)

3\.   Rory McGuire

4\.   Charlie Irvine

5\.   Joe Hopes

6\.   Matthew Dalton

7\.   Marcus Rea

8\.   Bryn Ward

9\.   David Shanahan

10\. Jake Flannery

11\. Ethan Graham

12\. Jonny Scott

13\. Ben Carson

14\. Zac Ward

15\. Bradley McNamara

Replacements:

16. James McCormick, 17. Jacob Boyd, 18. Bryan O'Connor, 19. Josh Stevens, 20. Thomas Dougan, 21. Conor McKee, 22. James Humphreys, 23. Matthew Booth 24. Henry Walker