Champions Cup: Herring earns 250th cap as Murphy makes three changes

Ulster and Ireland international hooker Rob Herring is set to become the first Ulster player to make 250 appearances for the province this Sunday, as Ulster face Bordeaux in the Champions Cup last 16 at Stade Chaban-Delmas (12:30pm).

Head Coach Richie Murphy has made several changes to the side for this weekend's crucial Champions Cup Knockout clash.

James McNabney returns to the starting line-up, as does Jame Hume, whole Zac Ward starts in place of the injured Rob Baloucoune. McNabney replaced Matty Rea, while Hume comes in for Ben Carson.

On the fixture, Murphy said: “We’re fully prepared for a tough test against Bordeaux Bègles. Our focus is on maintaining momentum and executing our game plan with precision."

Andrew Warwick, Herring, and Tom O'Toole make up the front row, while Alan O'Connor and Kieran Treadwell complete the second row.

Joining McNabney in the back-row, Nick Timoney starts at openside flanker, and David McCann at number eight. In the half-backs, John Cooney continues at scrum half, with Jack Murphy at fly-half.

The midfield sees Hume return after illness, partnering Stuart McCloskey in the centre. On the wing, Jacob Stockdale is joined by Ward, with Michael Lowry completing the back-three at fullback.

Murphy has opted for a 5:3 split on the bench, with Tom Stewart, Callum Reid, Scott Wilson, Matthew Dalton, and Matty Rea providing the forward options.

Nathan Doak, Aidan Morgan, and Stewart Moore are the backline replacements

Ulster side to face Bordeaux, Stade Chaban-Delmas, Sunday April 6 (12.30pm)

1-8: Andrew Warwick, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor, Kieran Treadwell, James McNabney , Nick Timoney, David McCann

9-15: John Cooney, Jack Murphy, Jacob Stockdale, Stuart McCloskey, James Hume, Zac Ward, Michael Lowry

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Callum Reid, Scott Wilson, Matthew Dalton, Matty Rea, Nathan Doak, Aidan Morgan, Stewart Moore