Ulster A team named for Celtic Cup Round 4

The Ulster A team, sponsored by CD Group, has been named for the Celtic Cup Round 4 clash versus Dragons A at Ballymena RFC on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm). Ballymena RFC clubman Marcus Rea will lead the Ulster A team out on his home club pitch at Eaton Park, as he is rewarded with the captaincy following a hugely impressive performance in the win over Cardiff last weekend. Rea will pack down at number 8, with fellow Abbey Insurance Ulster Academy players Joe Dunleavy and Aaron Hall joining him in the back row. Peter Cooper is selected at loosehead prop, with Rodney Ah You at tighthead and Zack McCall at hooker. Matthew Dalton and Caleb Montgomery complete the tight five. Behind the pack, Michael Stronge and Johnny McPhillips are selected at half back. Stewart Moore returns from injury to start at outside centre, where he will be paired in midfield with Ben Power, who collected a Danske Bank Schools’ Cup title with Campbell College last year. Aaron Sexton, who touched down for the match-winning score last week, retains his place on the left wing, with Iwan Hughes shifting to the right wing and Bruce Houston included at fullback. On the bench, Peter Cromie, Campbell Classon, Paul McGookin, Bradley Luney, David McCann and Greg Jones provide the forward cover, with Graham Curtis and Robbie Johnston named as the backline options. Ulster A team to play Dragons A, Celtic Cup Round 4, Saturday 29th September at Ballymena RFC (2.30pm): (15-9): Bruce Houston*, Iwan Hughes*, Stewart Moore*, Ben Power, Aaron Sexton, Johnny McPhillips, Michael Stronge; (1-8): Peter Cooper, Zack McCall*, Rodney Ah You, Matthew Dalton*, Caleb Montgomery, Joe Dunleavy*, Aaron Hall*, Marcus Rea (Capt)*. Replacements: Peter Cromie, Campbell Classon, Paul McGookin, Bradley Luney, David McCann*, Greg Jones, Graham Curtis*, Robbie Johnston. * denotes Abbey Insurance Ulster Rugby Academy player. ULSTER A’S CELTIC CUP FIXTURES: Friday 7th September, 5.00pm - Ulster A 28-43 Leinster A at Malone RFC Friday 14th September, 7.00pm - Ulster A 15-45 Scarlets A at Instonians/Cooke RFC Saturday 22nd September, 2.30pm - Cardiff Blues A 3-7 Ulster A at Cardiff Arms Park Saturday 29th September, 2.30pm - Ulster A v Dragons A at Ballymena RFC Friday 5th October, 7.00pm - Ospreys A v Ulster A at Swansea RFC October 12th-14th - Connacht A v Ulster A