Henderson and Herring return to Ulster starting line-up to face Lions

Ireland internationals Iain Henderson and Rob Herring will both make their first starts for Ulster tomorrow night since returning from the World Cup.

Head Coach Dan McFarland has named his side to take on Emirates Lions in Round 5 of the BKT United Rugby Championship at Kingspan Stadium (7.35pm).

The province will hope to continue their unbeaten run at home so far this season, with wins against Vodacom Bulls and Munster Rugby at Kingspan Stadium helping to put Ulster in fourth-placed position in the tight BKT URC table, with only a point difference to the current leader.

Club captain Henderson, returns to the starting line-up, with Alan O'Connor joining him in the second row. In a new look front row, Andrew Warwick starts at loosehead prop, where he is joined by record appearance-holding hooker Herring and last week’s debutant, Ulster Rugby Academy prop, Scott Wilson, who starts at tighthead after impressing against Munster.

In the back row, Dave Ewers, starts on the blindside, where is joined by openside flanker, Reuben Crothers, whose debut against Connacht ended prematurely after an early injury.

David McCann retains his place in the back row at eight, after another Player of the Match performance against Munster last week.

In the half back partnership, scrum-half Nathan Doak is joined by Jake Flannery at ten, with both hoping to carry on the fine form they have shown in the early stages of the season.

Ireland international Stuart McCloskey retains his place at inside centre after making his first appearance of the season against Munster, and is partnered by James Hume, who is back after a combative performance against Connacht.

Jacob Stockdale will hope to continue his hot-scoring streak, aiming to add to the four tries in three starts this season on the left wing. Rob Baloucoune starts on the right wing, with versatile back Stewart Moore getting the nod at full-back to complete the backfield.

On the bench, McFarland welcomes back tighthead prop Marty Moore, who has been out since January. There is also a new face on the bench, as Academy back-rower, Lorcan McLoughlin, hopes to make his debut for Ulster from the bench.

John Andrew, Eric O’Sullivan, Harry Sheridan, John Cooney, Billy Burns and Mike Lowry complete the replacements.

Ulster v Emirates Lions

(15-9): Stewart Moore, Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Jake Flannery, Nathan Doak;

(1-8): Andrew Warwick, Rob Herring, Scott Wilson, Alan O’Connor, Iain Henderson (C), Dave Ewers, Reuben Crothers, David McCann.

Replacements: John Andrew, Eric O’Sullivan, Marty Moore, Harry Sheridan, Lorcan McLoughlin, John Cooney, Billy Burns, Mike Lowry.