RUGBY: Cooney to make century appearance as Ulster gear up for huge URC clash

Ulster have named their starting 15 to take on inter-provincial rivals Munster tomorrow night - and it'll be a special occasion for one man.

John Cooney makes his 100th appearance for the side in the URC quarter-final at the Kingspan (7.35pm), having been named to start at scrum-half, alongside Billy Burns at out-half.

Stuart McCloskey and James Hume will make up the midfield partnership, while Stewart Moore is the only change to the starting side that defeated Cell C Sharks two weeks ago. Moore is named at full-back and joining him in the back three are Ethan McIlroy and Rob Baloucoune.

Packing down in the front row are Andrew Warwick at loosehead prop and Tom O’Toole at tighthead, with Rob Herring selected at hooker. Captain Iain Henderson will partner URC Tackle Machine winner, Alan O’Connor in the second row.

Meanwhile, Marcus Rea gets the nod at blindside flanker, with Nick Timoney selected at openside and Duane Vermeulen completing the forward pack at Number Eight.

John Andrew, Eric O’Sullivan, Gareth Milasinovich, Kieran Treadwell and Matty Rea will provide the forward options off the bench. Nathan Doak, Ian Madigan and Ben Moxham are the back line replacements.

Ulster team to play Munster:

(15-9): Stewart Moore, Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Ethan McIlroy, Billy Burns, John Cooney;

(1-8): Andrew Warwick, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor, Iain Henderson (Capt.), Marcus Rea, Nick Timoney, Duane Vermeulen.

• Rugby
• Ulster
• united rugby championship