Ulster ready for Quins Champions Cup clash at Twickenham Stoop

The six Ulster men named in Ireland Head Coach, Andy Farrell’s Six Nations squad all start in the pivotal final pool group fixture.

Tom Stewart, Tom O’Toole, Iain Henderson, Nick Timoney, Jacob Stockdale and Stuart McCloskey will aim to sign off from provincial duties with a win before they head-off for  international training camp next week.

The front row remains unchanged from last week’s Round 3, 24-48 defeat, against Toulouse.

Double Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok, Steven Kitshoff, packs down alongside hooker Tom Stewart, and tighthead prop Tom O’Toole.

Kieran Treadwell and club captain, Iain Henderson, form the second row.

The back row sees two changes, as Matty Rea starts on the blindside alongside openside flanker, David McCann, who returns to the team after recovering from an ankle injury.

In-form back rower, Nick Timoney, retains his position at eight.

John Cooney and Billy Burns form the experienced and reliable half-back partnership.

The exciting back five sees the explosive Jacob Stockdale and Rob Baloucoune on the left and right wing respectively.

Stuart McCloskey is joined by outside centre, James Hume, in the engine room of the backfield, with Mike Lowry completing the starting XV at fullback.

In a strong bench, Dan McFarland opts for a 5:3 split with John Andrew, Andy Warwick, Marty Moore, Harry Sheridan, Marcus Rea, Nathan Doak, Luke Marshall and Will Addison as replacements.

Harlequins v Ulster, Round 4 Investec Champions Cup, Saturday 20 January, 1pm, Twickenham Stoop (live on TNT Sports and BBC Radio Ulster).

(15-9) Mike Lowry, Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, John Cooney;

(1-8) Steven Kitshoff, Tom Stewart, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Iain Henderson (C), Matty Rea, David McCann, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: John Andrew, Andy Warwick, Marty Moore, Harry Sheridan, Marcus Rea, Nathan Doak, Luke Marshall, Will Addison.