McCloskey to make 200th Ulster appearance against Stormers

McCloskey to make 200th Ulster appearance against Stormers

Ulster and Ireland international centre, Stuart McCloskey, makes his 200th cap for his province, as Ulster take on DHL Stormers at Kingspan Stadium this Friday night. (KO: 7.35pm).

There is also a welcome return to action for Rob Baloucoune who makes his first appearance of the season, starting on the right wing.

Andrew Warwick and Tom Stewart also provide a boost as they return from injuries.

Warwick returns to start at loosehead prop, alongside hooker Rob Herring and tighthead prop, Tom O’Toole.

Alan O’Connor retains his spot in the second row and captains the side. Kieran Treadwell starts alongside him in the engine room.


There is one change to back-row from last weekend’s victory against Dragons, with Matty Rea starting at blindside flanker. David McCann shifts over to number eight and Nick Timoney retains his spot at openside flanker.

John Cooney makes his first start since it was confirmed the long-serving scrum-half will be departing for CA Brive at the end of the season.


Cooney joins Academy fly-half, Jack Murphy, as the half-back pairing.

The backline sees one change from last week, with Baloucoune making his return in the number 14 jersey. Jacob Stockdale takes up the left-wing berth.

McCloskey makes his milestone 200th appearance alongside outside centre, James Hume, who himself is closing in on a century of Ulster appearances.

Michael Lowry completes the backfield at full-back.

Hooker Tom Stewart returns to action and is in line for his 50th Ulster appearance on a youthful and exciting bench.

Murphy goes for a 5:3 split, with Stewart, Callum Reid, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan and James McNabney providing the forward options.

Nathan Doak, Ben Carson and Zac Ward are the backline replacements.

Ulster Rugby v DHL Stormers, Saturday 28th March, BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 14, Kingspan Stadium, 7.35pm (Live on BBC NI, Premier Sports, TG4, URC.tv)

 

1. Andrew Warwick (206)

2. Rob Herring (248)

3. Tom O’Toole (118)

4. Alan O’Connor (Capt) (207)

5. Kieran Treadwell (174)

6. Matty Rea (108)

7. Nick Timoney (161)

8. David McCann (62)

9. John Cooney (151)

10. Jack Murphy (7)

11. Jacob Stockdale (128)

12. Stuart McCloskey (199)

13. James Hume (98)

14. Rob Baloucoune (69)

15. Michael Lowry (119)

Replacements:

16. Tom Stewart (49)

17. Callum Reid (24)

18. Scott Wilson (29)

19. Harry Sheridan (39)

20. James McNabney (14)

21. Nathan Doak (83)

22. Ben Carson (11)

23. Zac Ward (5)

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