Match Previews

Ulster ready to welcome French giants to Kingspan Stadium

15th December 2023
Dan McFarland has named his side to take on French Top 14 team, Racing 92, in Round 2 of the Investec Champions Cup.

Ireland international lock, Iain Henderson, captains the province, and is joined by fellow stalwart, Alan O’Connor, in the second row.

World-Cup winning Springbok, Steven Kitshoff, makes his European home debut against Racing 92, where he will face his South Africa teammate and captain, Siya Kolisi.

Joining Kitshoff in the front row is Rob Herring at hooker, who returns to the starting line-up, and Tom O’Toole, who retains his place at tighthead prop.

In the back row, Dave Ewers, who won the Champions Cup in 2020 with Exeter Chiefs, retains his place at blindside flanker and is joined by Nick Timoney at openside flanker.

Ballymena man, Matty Rea, gets the nod at eight to complete the back-row.

John Cooney returns to the starting line-up at scrum-half and is joined by Billy Burns at fly-half.

Jacob Stockdale and Rob Baloucoune retain their places on the left and right wing respectively.

Stuart McCloskey and James Hume will continue their centre partnership in the back-field and Mike Lowry starts at full-back, after returning from injury.

In a strong bench, McFarland opts for a 5:3 split as Tom Stewart, Eric O’Sullivan, Marty Moore, Kieran Treadwell and Harry Sheridan provide the forward options with Nathan Doak, Jake Flannery and Stewart Moore offering the back options as replacements.

Ulster v Racing 92, Round 2 Investec Champions Cup, Saturday 16 December, 8pm (Live on TNT Sports and BBC Radio Ulster)

(15-9) Mike Lowry, Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, John Cooney;

(1-8) Steven Kitshoff, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor, Iain Henderson (C), Dave Ewers, Nick Timoney, Matty Rea.

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Eric O’Sullivan, Marty Moore, Kieran Treadwell, Harry Sheridan, Nathan Doak, Jake Flannery, Stewart Moore.

Be there for another huge European clash in Belfast!

Tickets are still available for Ulster's first home Champions Cup clash of the season, as Dan McFarland's team take on French Top 14 leaders, Racing 92 at Kingspan Stadium.

Secure your tickets for this monster of a fixture using the link below!

FIND RACING 92 TICKETS

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