The Ulster Senior Men’s team has been named for Thursday’s return pre-season fixture versus Saracens at Honourable Artillery Company (5pm). Ulster will welcome back some of their international players after their involvement in Ireland’s Summer Series. Michael Lowry comes in to start at full-back, along with Robert Baloucoune on the right wing. Joining them is Craig Gilroy on the left wing. James Hume has been selected in midfield alongside Stewart Moore. Billy Burns and John Cooney return in the starting half-back positions. Two of last week’s try-scorers, Andrew Warwick and Brad Roberts have been given the nod at loosehead prop and hooker respectively. Marty Moore will join them in the front row at tighthead. Alan O’Connor will captain the side from the second row, and will partner Mick Kearney. Greg Jones switches to blindside flanker, and Sean Reidy comes in to start at openside. Nick Timoney returns to start at Number Eight. John Andrew, Callum Reid, Tom O’Toole, Sam Carter, Matty Rea, Ross Kane, Marcus Rea, David McCann and Harry Sheridan provide the forward reinforcements on the bench. David Shanahan, Ethan McIlroy, Ben Moxham, Ian Madigan, Angus Curtis and Ben Carson will offer back line cover.
Ulster team to play Saracens, pre-season fixture, Thursday 9 September at Honourable Artillery Company (kick-off 5pm):
(15-9) Michael Lowry, Robert Baloucoune, James Hume, Stewart Moore, Craig Gilroy, Billy Burns, John Cooney;
(1-8) Andrew Warwick, Brad Roberts, Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor (Capt.), Mick Kearney, Greg Jones, Sean Reidy, Nick Timoney.
Replacements: John Andrew, Callum Reid, Tom O’Toole, Sam Carter, Matty Rea, David Shanahan, Ethan McIlroy, Ben Moxham, Ross Kane, Marcus Rea, David McCann, Harry Sheridan, Ian Madigan, Angus Curtis, Ben Carson.
