URC: Baloucoune makes long-awaited Ulster return

Rob Baloucoune will make his first appearacne of the season for Ulster in tomorrow night's crucial URC clash at home to Stormers.

He starts on the wing after 11 months out, while Stuart McCloskey will earn his 200th cap for the province. Andrew Warwick and Tom Stewart also return from injury to take their places in the squad.

Warwick returns to start at loosehead prop, alongside hooker Rob Herring and tighthead Tom O’Toole, while Alan O’Connor retains his spot in the second row and captains the side. Kieran Treadwell starts alongside him in the engine room.

There is one change to back-row from last weekend’s victory against Dragons, with Matty Rea starting at blindside flanker. David McCann shifts over to number eight and Nick Timoney retains his spot at openside.

John Cooney makes his first start since it was confirmed the long-serving scrum-half will be departing for CA Brive at the end of the season. He joins Academy fly-half, Jack Murphy, as the half-back pairing.

The backline sees one change from last week, with Baloucoune making his return in the number 14 jersey as Jacob Stockdale takes up the left-wing berth.

McCloskey makes his milestone 200th appearance alongside outside centre James Hume, who himself is closing in on a century of Ulster appearances. Michael Lowry completes the backfield at full-back.

Hooker Stewart returns to action and is in line for his 50th Ulster appearance on a youthful bench as Head Coach Richie Murphy goes for a 5:3 split, with Stewart, Callum Reid, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan and James McNabney providing the forward options.

Nathan Doak, Ben Carson and Zac Ward are the backline replacements.

Ulster side to face Stormers, Kingspan Stadium, Friday March (7.35pm)

1-8: Andrew Warwick, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor (C), Kieran Treadwell, Matty Rea, Nick Timoney, David McCann

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

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Callum Reid, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, James McNabney, Nathan Doak, Ben Carson, Zac Ward