Match Previews

Ulster ready for Leinster battle at sold-out Kingspan Stadium

17th May 2024
In his first match since signing a two-year deal as Head Coach, Richie Murphy, has named his Ulster team for tomorrow’s Intepro derby against Leinster in front of a home crowd.

Lock Alan O’Connor continues to captain the team, joining Kieran Treadwell in the second row.

Up top, the front row sees one change from last week’s victory over Scarlets at Parc y Scarlets.

Tom O’Toole returns from injury at tighthead prop, where he is joined by hooker, Rob Herring, and Eric O’Sullivan at loosehead prop.

The back row remains unchanged, with Cormac Izuchukwu keeping his place at blindside flanker, David McCann on the openside and Nick Timoney at eight.

John Cooney and Billy Burns form the half back partnership at scrum-half and fly-half.

Jacob Stockdale and Mike Lowry start on the left and right wing, respectively. Lowry made his 100th appearance for the province in last weekend’s victory.

Stuart McCloskey and Will Addison start together in the centre positions.

Ethan McIlroy completes the XV at full-back.

On the bench, the forward options are Tom Stewart, Andy Warwick, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan and Matty Rea.

Nathan Doak, Stewart Moore and Jude Postlethwaite form the back options.

Ulster v Leinster, BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 17, Kingspan Stadium, live on Premier Sports, TG4, RTE Radio Live and URC.tv

(15-9) Ethan McIlroy, Mike Lowry, Will Addison, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, John Cooney;

(1-8) Eric O’Sullivan, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Alan O’Connor (C), Cormac Izuchukwu, David McCann, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Andy Warwick, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Matty Rea, Nathan Doak, Stewart Moore, Jude Postlethwaite.

The Opposition