Ulster team named to kick-off European campaign against reigning champions

December 06, 2024
291
Ultimate Rugby

Head Coach, Richie Murphy, has named his Ulster side to kick-off the province’s Investec Champions Cup campaign against Toulouse at Stade Ernest Wallon this Sunday (4.15pm local / 3.15pm UK/Ire, live on Premier Sports and BBC Sounds).

In the front row, James McCormick retains his place at hooker, and is one of four players in the starting XV making their first Champions Cup appearance for the province, along with Ben Carson and summer signings Aidan Moran and Werner Kok.

Scott Wilson starts again at tighthead, with Andy Warwick coming in at loosehead prop.

Lock, Alan O’Connor, will lead out the Ulster men, with Harry Sheridan starting alongside him in the second row.

The back row sees Matty Rea at blindside flanker, with his brother, Marcus, on the openside. Development talent, James McNabney, is named at number eight.

In an unchanged half-back partnership, Nathan Doak starts at scrum-half with Morgan leading the attack at fly-half.

Stuart McCloskey returns from international duty at inside centre, where he is partnered in midfield with Carson, who scored two tries in last weekend’s interprovincial derby versus Leinster.

Michael Lowry and Kok start on the left and right wings respectively, with Stewart Moore completing the back three at full back.

Murphy welcomes back another four of his Ireland international contingent on the bench, with Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, Iain Henderson and Cormac Izuchukwu named among the replacements.

Eric O’Sullivan and Nick Timoney complete the forward cover, with Dave Shanahan and Jude Postlethwaite providing the backline options.