Head coach Murray Houston has included four debutants in his matchday 23 for Saturday’s Vodafone Interprovincial opener against Connacht at the Affidea Stadium. (Kick-off 4.15pm).
Claire Boles and last season’s SAM Mouldings Ulster Young Player of the Year, Caitlin Crowe are the two new faces in the starting XV, while Amy McConkey and Leah Irwin are in line to win their first caps from the bench.
Saturday’s game will be an extra special occasion for Boles as the number eight has been named as captain in the absence of the injured India Daley.
Joining Boles in the back row will Moya Hill and Christy Hill.
In the front row ulster have received a boost with the return of Irish international Sadhbh McGrath at loosehead alongside Maebh Clenaghan and Sophie Barrett.
Fiona Tuite also returns to interpro action after missing last year’s campaign due to the World Cup and she is partnered in the second row by Rebecca Beacom.
Rachael McIlroy and Abby Moyles have been named at half-back while Lucy Thompson will partner Caitlin Crowe in the centre.
Lucy Thompson and Katie Gilmour will start on the wings with Niamh Marley being handed a starting berth at full-back.
Emily Whittle, Sarah Roberts and Ava Fannin will provide front row cover from the bench while Ellen Patterson, Katie Hetherington and Ella Durkin have also been named among the replacements.
Ulster Rugby v Connacht. Vodafone Interprovincial. Saturday 8th August, Affidea Stadium. Kick-off 4.15pm. Live on TG4 YouTube Channel.
- Sadhbh McGrath
- Maebh Clenaghan
- Sophie Barrett
- Fiona Tuite
- Rebecca Beacom
- Moya Hill
- Christy Hill
- Claire Boles (C)
- Rachael McIlroy
- Abby Moyles
- Siobhan Sheerin
- Lucy Thompson
- Caitlin Crowe
- Katie Gilmour
- Niamh Marley
Replacements
- Emily Whittle
- Sarah Roberts
- Ava Fannin
- Ellen Patterson
- Katie Hetherington
- Amy McConkey
- Leah Irwin
- Ella Durkan