Ulster ready for reigning URC champions Munster

Ulster hope to bounce back to winnings ways, after the province’s first loss of the campaign in Round 3 against Connacht. The much-changed team put in a physical performance in Galway but were edged out by the home side who won by 22-20.

Tom Stewart captains the side this week against Munster, with the 22-year-old hooker returning to the starting line-up to lead the home side in an Interprovincial derby for the first time.

Joining Stewart in the front row is Eric O’Sullivan, who starts at loosehead prop. Greg McGrath is named at tighthead prop, with the former Jersey Reds forward making his first start in front of a home crowd at Kingspan Stadium.

In the second row, Cormac Izuchukwu and Kieran Treadwell start at lock after both missing last weekend’s Connacht trip due to injury.

Leading the way in the URC for tackles made, David McCann, continues to show his versatility in the back row, as he starts on the blindside, with Marcus Rea returning to the team at openside flanker. Nick Timoney retains his place at eight, having started the last two matches.

Nathan Doak and Billy Burns start the Interpro as the half-back partnership that played together for the majority of last season.

Ireland international, Stuart McCloskey, is straight into the team after having a period of rest following the Rugby World Cup in France. The Bangor man starts at inside centre alongside Stewart Moore, who impressed against Connacht in Galway.

On the left wing, Jacob Stockdale, will hope to continue his fine try-scoring form this season as he returns to the team. Rob Baloucoune starts on the right wing for his second appearance of the campaign, and Ethan McIlroy completes the back field, as he starts at full-back.

In a strong bench, Ulster welcome back two fan favourites, with Rob Herring and club captain, Iain Henderson, returning from international duty.

The fixture will mark a historic landmark for Herring, as the reliable hooker is set to smash Ulster’s all-time appearance record, as a call-up from the bench will mark the 230th time he represents Ulster.

Callum Reid is ready to go from the bench and Ulster Rugby Academy tighthead prop, Scott Wilson, who is hoping to make his debut for the province.

Dave Ewers returns to the squad after suffering an injury against Vodacom Bulls. John Cooney is also back and on the bench, with former Munster fly-half, Jake Flannery, and centre, Jude Postlethwaite, completing the replacement options.

Ulster v Munster, BKT United Rugby Championship Round 4, Friday 10 November, 7.35pm (Live on BBC NI, RTE, Viaplay and URC.tv

(15-9) Ethan McIlroy, Rob Baloucoune, Stewart Moore, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, Nathan Doak;

(1-8) Eric O’Sullivan, Tom Stewart (C), Greg McGrath, Cormac Izuchukwu, Kieran Treadwell, David McCann, Marcus Rea, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: Rob Herring, Callum Reid, Scott Wilson, Iain Henderson, Dave Ewers, John Cooney, Jake Flannery, Jude Postlethwaite.