The Ulster match-day squad to face Leinster, in their first URC fixture since the international break, has been named (8pm kick-off, RDS Arena). John Cooney has come back from injury and is selected at scrum-half alongside out-half, Billy Burns. Craig Gilroy will be one appearance away from the ‘200’ milestone when he takes the field on the right wing on Saturday alongside Mike Lowry at full-back. Ethan McIlroy completes the back three on the left wing. Stuart McCloskey and James Hume both return from Ireland camp to make up the midfield partnership. Alan O’Connor will skipper the Ulster side and will partner Sam Carter in the second row. Andrew Warwick and Marty Moore will pack down either side of Rob Herring, who has returned from the Autumn Nations Series with Ireland, and starts at hooker. Nick Timoney also returns from international duties to start at openside flanker with Greg Jones at blindside and David McCann at Number Eight. Tom Stewart is set to make his senior debut if called upon from the bench. He is joined by Eric O’Sullivan, Ross Kane, Mick Kearney and Marcus Rea in the forwards. Nathan Doak, Angus Curtis and the returning Rob Lyttle are the back line replacements.
Ulster team to play Leinster Rugby, United Rugby Championship Round 6, Saturday 27 November at the RDS Arena, 8pm kick-off.
(15-9) Mike Lowry, Craig Gilroy, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Ethan McIlroy, Billy Burns, John Cooney;
(1-8) Andrew Warwick, Rob Herring, Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor (Capt.), Sam Carter, Greg Jones, Nick Timoney, David McCann.
Replacements: Tom Stewart, Eric O’Sullivan, Ross Kane, Mick Kearney, Marcus Rea, Nathan Doak, Angus Curtis, Rob Lyttle.
