Ulster ready for Warriors in Glasgow
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Head Coach, Dan McFarland, has named his Ulster side to take on Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium this Saturday in Round 6 of the BKT United Rugby Championship (KO 7 35pm).
Lock, Iain Henderson, captains the side and is joined by Kieran Treadwell in the second row.
In a rotated front pack, Eric O’Sullivan, starts at loosehead prop, Tom Stewart is back at hooker, and Tom O’Toole returns to the teamsheet at tighthead prop.
In a youthful back-row, Harry Sheridan starts at blindside flanker, taking on the side he scored his first Ulster try against last season.
Reuben Crothers retains his spot at openside flanker, and Ulster Rugby Academy player, James McNabney, makes his Ulster debut at eight. The Ballymena back-rower was involved in two Ireland U20 Six Nations Grand Slam wins in 2022 and 2023.
McFarland opts for the experienced half-back partnership of John Cooney, making his first start of the season at scrum-half, and Billy Burns, who is in line for his 100th Ulster appearance.
Luke Marshall also makes his first start of the campaign at inside centre, where he is partnered by James Hume at 13. Hume scored his first try of the season in the Round 5 win against Emirates Lions at Kingspan Stadium last week.
The top try scorer in the URC with five tries from four matches, Jacob Stockdale, will hope to continue his scoring form on the left wing.
Rob Baloucoune starts on the right wing, with Will Addison returning to the side at full-back.
McFarland opts for a 5:3 split on the bench, with double Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok prop, Steven Kitshoff, in line for his Ulster debut as he is named as a replacement.
Academy hooker, Zac Solomon, is also in line for his senior debut, should he come on from the bench.
Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor, Matty Rea, Dave Shanahan, Jake Flannery and Ben Moxham provide the other bench options.
Glasgow Warriors v Ulster Rugby, Saturday 25 November, 7 35pm, Scotstoun Stadium, Round 6 BKT United Rugby Championship (Live on Viaplay and URC.tv)
(15-9) Will Addison, Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, Luke Marshall, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, John Cooney;
(1-8) Eric O’Sullivan, Tom Stewart, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Iain Henderson (C), Harry Sheridan, Reuben Crothers, James McNabney.
Replacements: Zac Solomon, Steven Kitshoff, Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor, Matty Rea, Dave Shanahan, Jake Flannery, Ben Moxham.
Squad Unavailability List
Callum Reid (Back), James McCormick (Shoulder), Rob Herring (Calf), John Andrew (Neck), Marcus Rea (Elbow), David McCann (Ankle), Sean Reffell (Ankle), Nick Timoney (Knee), Greg Jones (Shoulder), Dave Ewers (Hip), Mike Lowry (Hip), Ethan McIlroy (Facial Fracture/ Concussion), Stewart Moore (Hamstring), Angus Curtis (Concussion)
