Rugby: Treadwell and McCloskey return in Murphy's first Ulster side

Ulster Rugby Interim Head Coach Richie Murphy has named his team for his first match in charge against Sharks at the Kings Park stadium in Durban tomorrow.

In the first of two matches in South Africa over the next two weekends, Ulster hope to carry on from where they left off before the break, after a bonus-point victory at home to Dragons.

Iain Henderson captains the side upon his return from Ireland’s Six Nations campaign, as he lines-up alongside fellow lock Kieran Treadwell, who starts for the first time since sustaining a rib injury against Harlequins in January.

Murphy selects a strong front row that sees Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff pack down alongside hooker Tom Stewart and tighthead prop Tom O’Toole.

The back row sees Harry Sheridan start at blindside flanker, with David McCann starting on the openside. Nick Timoney starts at eight. John Cooney and Billy Burns form the half back partnership.

Mike Lowry and Ethan McIlroy start on the left and right wings respectively.

Stuart McCloskey returns to the starting line-up after his Ireland duties as he pairs up with James Hume, who captained the province over the win against Dragons, while Will Addison completes the starting 15 at full-back.

Murphy opts for a 6:2 split on the bench.

John Andrew, Andrew Warwick, Scott Wilson, Cormac Izuchukwu, Matty Rea and Sean Reffell provide forward options, while Nathan Doak, Jude Postlethwaite cover back options.

Sharks v Ulster, Kings Park, Saturday March 23, (1pm UK time)

(15-9): Will Addison, Ethan McIlroy, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Mike Lowry, Billy Burns, John Cooney;

(1-8): Steven Kitshoff, Tom Stewart, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Iain Henderson (C), Harry Sheridan, David McCann, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: John Andrew, Andrew Warwick, Scott Wilson, Cormac Izuchukwu, Matty Rea, Nathan Doak, Jude Postlethwaite, Sean Reffell.