Match Previews

Ulster ready for Emirates Lions in Belfast

16th November 2023
Head Coach, Dan McFarland, has named his Ulster side to take on Emirates Lions in Round 5 of the BKT United Rugby Championship at Kingspan Stadium (KO 7 35pm).

The province will hope to continue their unbeaten run at home so far this season, with wins against Vodacom Bulls and Munster Rugby at Kingspan Stadium helping to put Ulster in fourth-placed position in the tight BKT URC table, with only a point difference to the current leader.

Club captain, Iain Henderson, returns to the starting line-up for the first time this season, after representing Ireland in the Rugby World Cup.

Joining him in the second row, Alan O’Connor, returns to the side after last featuring against Connacht in Round 3.

In a new look front row, Andrew Warwick, starts at loosehead prop where he is joined by our record appearance-holding hooker, Rob Herring, and last week’s debutant, Ulster Rugby Academy prop, Scott Wilson, who starts at tighthead after impressing against Munster.

In the back row, powerful flanker, Dave Ewers, starts on the blindside, where is joined by openside flanker, Reuben Crothers, whose debut against Connacht ended prematurely after an early injury.

David McCann retains his place in the back row at eight, after another Player of the Match performance against Munster last week.

In the half back partnership, scrum-half, Nathan Doak, is joined by Jake Flannery at ten, with both hoping to carry on the fine form they have shown in the early stages of the season.

Ireland international, Stuart McCloskey, retains his place at inside centre after making his first appearance of the season against Munster, and is partnered by James Hume, who is back after a combative performance against Connacht.

Jacob Stockdale will hope to continue his hot-scoring streak, as he hopes to add to the four tries he has made in three starts this season on the left wing. Rob Baloucoune starts on the right wing, with the versatile back, Stewart Moore, getting the nod at full-back to complete the backfield.

On the bench, Dan McFarland can welcome back tighthead prop, Marty Moore, who has been out since January. There is also a new face on the bench, as Academy back-rower, Lorcan McLoughlin, hopes to make his debut for Ulster from the bench.

John Andrew, Eric O’Sullivan, Harry Sheridan, John Cooney, Billy Burns and Mike Lowry complete the replacements.

Ulster v Emirates Lions, Round 5 BKT United Rugby Championship, Kingspan Stadium, 7 35pm, Live on BBC NI, Viaplay, TG4 and URC.tv

(15-9) Stewart Moore, Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Jake Flannery, Nathan Doak;

(1-8) Andrew Warwick, Rob Herring, Scott Wilson, Alan O’Connor, Iain Henderson (C), Dave Ewers, Reuben Crothers, David McCann.

Replacements: John Andrew, Eric O’Sullivan, Marty Moore, Harry Sheridan, Lorcan McLoughlin, John Cooney, Billy Burns, Mike Lowry.

Are you ready to roar against the Lions?

Tickets are available to cheer on the Ulstermen this week, as the province chase down the top of the BKT URC table.

You can grab your tickets via the link below!

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