Ulster host Connacht in Belfast Inter-pro derby

Ulster are all set for Friday night’s URC inter-pro derby with Connacht in Kingspan Stadium.

In a changed front row, Andy Warwick starts at loosehead prop with Tom Stewart starting at hooker alongside Marty Moore at tighthead prop.

It marks Moore’s first start since sustaining a knee injury against Munster on New Year’s Day. Kieran Treadwell makes his 150th cap for Ulster alongside Captain Iain Henderson in Ulster’s second row.

After scoring a try last weekend against Racing 92, Matty Rea starts at blindside flanker. There is a welcome return to action for Sean Reffell, who plays for the first time since injuring his ankle against Benetton last season.

Double try scorer last week, Nick Timoney, starts at eight this week.

Starting against his former team, John Cooney, retains his spot at scrum-half after a brilliant performance against Racing 92. Jake Flannery starts at fly-half to complete the half-back partnership.

The back five remains unchanged after last weekend’s victory over Racing 92. Jacob Stockdale and Rob Baloucoune both start on the left and right wing respectively.

After a Player of the Match performance last weekend, Stuart McCloskey, hopes to continue his form, as he is joined by James Hume to continue their centre partnership.

Mike Lowry starts at full-back after returning to the side last week.

McFarland opts for a 5:3 split on the bench. As John Andrew, Steven Kitshoff, Tom O’Toole, Al O’Connor, Dave Ewers, Nathan Doak, Jude Postlethwaite and Will Addison form the replacements.

Ulster: 15.Mike Lowry, 14.Rob Baloucoune, 13.James Hume, 12.Stuart McCloskey, 11.Jacob Stockdale, 10.Jake Flannery, 9.John Cooney; 8.Andy Warwick, 7.Tom Stewart, 6.Marty Moore, 5.Kieran Treadwell, 4.Iain Henderson (C), 3.Matty Rea, 2.Sean Reffell, 1.Nick Timoney.

Replacements: 16.John Andrew, 17.Steven Kitshoff, 18.Tom O’Toole, 19.Al O’Connor, 20.Dave Ewers, 21.Nathan Doak, 22.Jude Postlethwaite, 23.Will Addison.