Ahead of their URC battle with Benetton on Friday evening, Stuart McCloskey is back in Ulster’s starting team. New personnel have been introduced to the province’s backline by stand-in coach Richie Murphy, including McCloskey. Billy Burns and John Cooney join the halfback roles, taking over from Jake Flannery and Nathan Doak. Due to an injury to James Hume, Will Addison is picked to team up with McCloskey as a centre.
Mike Lowry switches his position from wing to fullback, with Rob Baloucoune joining the flank opposite Jacob Stockdale. In terms of the forward players, the pack only sees one alteration from the previous line-up against Cardiff. Reuben Crothers is chosen over Marcus Rea in the backrow. Pillaring him are David McCann and Dave Ewers, while Alan O’Connor retains his role as captain at lock, partnering with Harry Sheridan. Eric O’Sullivan, Tom Stewart, and Scott Wilson make up the frontrow threesome.
On the bench, James French is a fresh figure covering as tight head – after Tom O’Toole exited early last week as a substitute. Greg Jones and Cormac Izuchukwu are also set to sit on the bench again with John Andrew and Andrew Warwick. Backline reserves are covered by David Shanahan, Luke Marshall and Ethan McIlroy.
The Ulster team is as follows: Mike Lowry; Rob Baloucoune, Will Addison, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Billy Burns, John Cooney; Eric O’Sullivan, Tom Stewart, Scott Wilson; Harry Sheridan, Alan O’Connor (captain); Dave Ewers, Reuben Crothers, David McCann.
Bench replacements include: John Andrew, Andrew Warwick, James French, Cormac Izuchukwu, Greg Jones, David Shanahan, Luke Marshall, Ethan McIlroy.