Match Previews

Ulster to take on Montpellier Hérault in Challenge Cup Round of 16 clash

5th April 2024
Interim Head Coach, Richie Murphy, has named his Ulster side to face Montpellier this Sunday at GGL Stadium (KO 12 30pm UK/Ire time) as the province competes with the French opposition for a European quarter-final spot.

Club captain and lock, Iain Henderson, returns to the starting line-up after missing last weekend’s BKT United Rugby Championship close defeat to the DHL Stormers in Cape Town.

Henderson is joined in the second row by Alan O’Connor, who returns to the side.

The front row remains unchanged from last weekend, with Steven Kitshoff, Rob Herring and Tom O’Toole set to pack down in France.

Similarly, it’s a familiar line-up in the back-row with Matty Rea starting at blindside flanker, David McCann at openside, and Nick Timoney at eight.

John Cooney is named at scrum-half, with Nathan Doak completing the half-back partnership at fly-half.

The backfield sees one change to the starting line-up from last week, as Stewart Moore starts at full-back, having come on as an early replacement in Cape Town.

Ethan McIlroy and Rob Baloucoune start on the left and right wing respectively.

Stuart McCloskey and James Hume complete the backfield, as they pair up as inside and outside centres.

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

Jake Flannery and Jacob Stockdale provide the back options from the bench.

Ulster v Montpellier, GGL Stadium, Sunday 7 April, 12 30pm (UK/Ire time), Challenge Cup Round of 16 (live on ViaPlay).

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

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

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Andy Warwick, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Cormac Izuchukwu, Jake Flannery, Jacob Stockdale, Dave Ewers.

Our opposition

How to Watch

Viaplay are bringing live and exclusive coverage of Ulster’s EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 clash against Top 14 side Montpellier at GGL Stadium this Sunday 7 April (kick-off 12.30pm UK/Ire time).

Graham Little will be presenting studio coverage alongside Stephen Ferris and Andrew Trimble from 12.15pm UK/Ire time on Viaplay, with Connor Morris & Darren Cave commentating on the action.

Find out how you can watch the clash here.