United Rugby Championship: Ulster team named to face Leinster

Stuart McCloskey
Author: Nigel GouldPublished 11th Mar 2022

Stuart McCloskey (pictured) is set to make his 150th appearance for Ulster as they prepare for the biggest game yet in the United Rugby Championship.

Dan McFarland's side take on leaders Leinster at Kingspan Stadium tomorrow (Saturday) (7.35pm kick-off).

McCloskey starts in midfield while Mike Lowry and Robert Baloucoune are released from international duties to start at full-back and right-wing respectively.

Alan O’Connor is named in the second row and will skipper the side.

He will partner Sam Carter who comes in to start.

In addition, Ulster are boosted by the inclusion of Duane Vermeulen who comes in to complete the forwards at Number 8.

Meanwhile, Jordi Murphy could make his 50th Ulster appearance if called upon from the bench.

The Ulster squad is as follows:

15-9) Mike Lowry, Robert Baloucoune, Stewart Moore, Stuart McCloskey, Craig Gilroy, Billy Burns, Nathan Doak;

(1-8) Andrew Warwick, John Andrew, Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor (Capt.), Sam Carter, Marcus Rea, Nick Timoney, Duane Vermeulen.

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Eric O’Sullivan, Gareth Milasinovich, Mick Kearney, Jordi Murphy, John Cooney, Ian Madigan, Ben Moxham.