Fixture News

Ulster ready for ASM Clermont Auvergne in Challenge Cup Quarter-Final

12th April 2024
Interim Head Coach, Richie Murphy, has named his Ulster side to face ASM Clermont Auvergne this Saturday at Stade Marcel-Michelin, as the province competes for a spot in the semi-finals of the competition.

Last weekend saw the first victory under Murphy, as the team made an impressive comeback in the second half to win 17-40 in the Challenge Cup Round of 16 versus Montpellier at GGL Stadium.

This weekend, club captain, Iain Henderson, starts alongside Alan O’Connor, in the second-row engine room.

Murphy opts for an unchanged front row, with Steven Kitshoff, Rob Herring and Tom O’Toole packing down together.

The back row sees Harry Sheridan start at blindside flanker, last week’s Player of the Match, David McCann, at openside flanker and Nick Timoney at eight.

John Cooney and Nathan Doak once again keep their places as Ulster’s half-back partnership.

The backfield sees two changes to last week’s win in France.

Mike Lowry returns to the team on the left wing, after missing last weekend after a concussion against the DHL Stormers.

Stuart McCloskey will hope to continue where he left off in France, after a try last weekend in the closing stages. The Ireland international is joined by James Hume in the centre partnership.

Rob Baloucoune starts on the right wing and Stewart Moore starts at full-back to complete the backfield.

Murphy opts again for a 6:2 split on the bench, with Tom Stewart, Andy Warwick, Scott Wilson, Cormac Izuchukwu, Dave Ewers and Marcus Rea providing the forward options.

Jake Flannery and Ethan McIlroy will be the back options from the bench.

ASM Clermont Auvergne v Ulster Rugby, Stade Marcel-Michelin, Saturday 13 April, 12 30pm (UK/IRL time), Challenge Cup Quarter-Final (Live on TNT Sports).

(15-9) Stewart Moore, Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Mike Lowry, Nathan Doak, John Cooney;

(1-8) Steven Kitshoff, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor, Iain Henderson (C), Harry Sheridan, David McCann, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Andy Warwick, Scott Wilson, Cormac Izuchukwu, Dave Ewers, Jake Flannery, Ethan McIlroy, Marcus Rea.

The Opposition