Bell returns as Ulster ready to take on Stormers in Belfast

May 07, 2026
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Ultimate Rugby

Ulster Rugby Head Coach, Richie Murphy, has named his matchday squad to face DHL Stormers tomorrow in Round 17 of the BKT United Rugby Championship. (KO: 7.45pm)

After securing a place in the Challenge Cup Final later this month in Bilbao, attention returns to the URC, with only two regular season matches left.

There is good news on the fitness front, with props Angus Bell and Scott Wilson returning to the matchday squad following their injuries.

Australian international loosehead, Bell, returns to the starting lineup following his recent foot injury. Hooker James McCormick starts alongside Ireland international Tom O’Toole at tighthead prop.

Captain Iain Henderson starts in the second row alongside Development lock, Charlie Irvine.

There is one change to the back row this weekend, with Irish international Cormac Izuchukwu moving to blindside flanker. Ireland international flanker, Nick Timoney, and number eight, Juarno Augustus, retain their spots from last week..

Scrum-half Nathan Doak and fly-half Jack Murphy continue in the half-back positions.

In the midfield, Jude Postlethwaite starts at inside centre alongside Ethan McIlroy who starts at outside centre.

In the back three positions, Werner Kok returns to the starting lineup on the right wing. Zac Ward switches over to the left wing this week, while Michael Lowry retains his position at full-back.

Murphy continues with a 5:3 split among the replacements. There is a welcome return to action for senior prop, Scott Wilson, who is named as a replacement following his recent ankle injury.

Tom Stewart, Eric O’Sullivan, Wilson, Harry Sheridan and Bryn Ward are the forward cover options.

Conor McKee, Jake Flannery and Academy centre, Wilhelm De Klerk, are the backline replacements.