World cup winner Kitshoff in line for Ulster debut this weekend

South African prop Steven Kitshoff is in line for his Ulster debut against Glasgow Warriors on Saturday.

The double World Cup winner arrived in Belfast last weekend and has been named as a replacement for the Scotstoun clash.

Rob Herring misses out with a calf injury, but fellow Irish international Iain Henderson captains the side at lock and is joined the second row by Kieran Treadwell.

In a rotated front pack, Eric O’Sullivan starts at loosehead, Tom Stewart is back at hooker, and Tom O’Toole returns to the teamsheet at tighthead.

In a youthful back-row, Harry Sheridan starts at blindside flanker, taking on the side he scored his first Ulster try against last season.

Reuben Crothers retains his spot at openside flanker and Ulster Academy player James McNabney makes his Ulster debut at eight. The Ballymena back-rower was involved in two Ireland U20 Six Nations Grand Slam wins in 2022 and 2023.

McFarland opts for the experienced half-back partnership of John Cooney, making his first start of the season at scrum-half, and Billy Burns, who is in line for his 100th Ulster appearance.

Luke Marshall also makes his first start of the campaign at inside centre, where he is partnered by James Hume at 13. Hume scored his first try of the season in the Round 5 win against Emirates Lions at Kingspan Stadium last week.

The top try scorer in the URC with five tries from four matches, Jacob Stockdale, will hope to continue his scoring form on the left wing. Rob Baloucoune starts on the right, with Will Addison returning to the side at full-back.

McFarland opts for a 5:3 split on the bench, with Springbok prop Kitshoff, in line for his Ulster debut as he is named as a replacement. Academy hooker Zac Solomon is also in line for his senior debut, should he come on from the bench.

Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor, Matty Rea, Dave Shanahan, Jake Flannery and Ben Moxham provide the other bench options.

Ulster squad v Glasgow Warriors

(15-9): Will Addison, Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, Luke Marshall, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, John Cooney

(1-8): Eric O’Sullivan, Tom Stewart, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Iain Henderson (C), Harry Sheridan, Reuben Crothers, James McNabney.

Replacements: Zac Solomon, Steven Kitshoff, Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor, Matty Rea, Dave Shanahan, Jake Flannery, Ben Moxham.