Ospreys announce team for Ulster fixture

The Ospreys have named their squad to face Ulster for Origin Round in the BKT URC. The game will take place at the Swansea.com Stadium and is kicking off on Sunday 18th February at 3pm.

Justin Tipuric returns to the side as captain following the injury he picked up away to the Dragons.

Nicky Smith starts at loosehead, with Sam Parry lining up at hooker and Tom Botha completing the front three.

James Ratti partners with Victor Sekekete at lock. Harri Deaves lines up at six, with Justin Tipuric on the other flank and Morgan Morse starting at eight.

Reuben Morgan-Williams gets the start at scrum half, with Dan Edwards partnering him at 10. Keiran Williams lines up at inside centre with Dom Morris returning from injury to take up the 13 jersey.

In the back three, Jack Walsh starts at full back, with Keelan Giles on one wing and Mat Protheroe on the other.

Alex Cuthbert returns to the 23 following his injury with Evardi Boshoff in line to make to make his debut off the bench.

Starting XV:

15. Jack Walsh - Manly Marlins

14. Mat Protheroe - Waunarlywdd RFC

13. Dom Morris - South Woodham Ferriers

12. Keiran Williams - Glynneath RFC

11. Keelan Giles - Waunarlywdd RFC

10. Dan Edwards - Cwmafan RFC

9. Reuben Morgan-Williams - Neath Athletic

1. Nicky Smith - Waunarlywdd RFC

2. Sam Parry - Haverfordwest RFC

3. Tom Botha - Paul Roos Gymnasium

4. James Ratti - Dunvant RFC

5. Victor Sekekete - Cheetahs

6. Harri Deaves - Pontyclun RFC

7. Justin Tipuric (C) - Trebanos RFC

8. Morgan Morse - Cwmtwrch RFC

Replacements:

16. Lewis Lloyd - Treorchy RFC

17. Rhys Henry - Cwmafan RFC

18. Ben Warren - Ystrad Rhonda

19. Lewis Jones - Cowbridge RFC

20. Will Hickey - Old Belvedere RFC

21. Cameron Jones - Hartpury College

22. Alex Cuthbert - Hucclecote RFC

23. Evardi Boshoff - Cheetahs

Head Coach, Toby Booth, said: “It’s the same whenever you play an Irish Province really, you get a very committed bunch of people that are highly skilled and extremely physical.

“Ulster are a quality team, they’re robust and they are going to try and make life difficult for you. They start games well, so one of the first challenges for us will be to deal with that.”