International players return for Ulster

November 27, 2025
884
Ultimate Rugby

Ulster welcome back Ireland internationals back into the starting XV, with Iain Henderson, Nick Timoney and Jacob Stockdale all back following the Autumn Nations Series.

Long serving scrum-half, Dave Shanahan, is in line for a milestone 100th appearance in an Ulster jersey with an appearance from the bench.

Henderson captains the side alongside Harry Sheridan in the second row.

In the front row, Tom Stewart starts at hooker after captaining Ireland XV to an impressive victory over Spain earlier this month.

Sam Crean starts at loosehead prop and Scott Wilson gets the nod at tighthead prop.

In the back row, there is a return to action for South African powerhouse Juarno Augustus following injury.

David McCann starts at blindside flanker, with Timoney returning at openside flanker.

Scrum-half Nathan Doak and fly-half Jack Murphy continue their half-back partnership.

Jude Postlethwaite starts at inside centre and James Hume starts at outside centre.

In the back three, Werner Kok is named on the left wing with Rob Baloucoune hoping to continue his scoring form on the right wing. The lethal wing scored a hat trick in the Round 5 defeat against Emirates Lions and scored two tries for Ireland XV earlier this month.

Jacob Stockdale returns from international duty at full-back.

Dave Shanahan is in line for his 100th Ulster appearance

Murphy opts for a 5:3 split among the replacements, with Rob Herring, Callum Reid, Tom O’Toole, Matthew Dalton and Bryn Ward providing forward reinforcements.

Academy forward, Ward, made his senior debut against Emirates Lions last month.

Dave Shanahan is in line for his 100th, with Jake Flannery and Stewart Moore completing the backline cover.