Ulster rugby: Baloucoune back for first game of season
There are also first starts for new summer signings as Richie Murphy prepares his players for South African side, Vodacom Bulls,
Last updated 10th Oct 2025
Robert Baloucoune is back in an Ulster shirt for the first time this season.
The wing is named in Richie Murphy's squad to face South African side, Vodacom Bulls, tomorrow (Saturday) at Affidea Stadium in Round 3 of the BKT United Rugby Championship. (KO: 7.45pm)
There are first Ulster starts for summer signings, Juarno Augustus and Sam Crean,
Lock, Iain Henderson, captains the side, joined by Cormac Izuchukwu in the second row.
Ireland internationals, hooker Rob Herring and prop Tom O’Toole start in the front row alongside former Saracens forward, Crean, at loosehead.
David McCann gets the nod at blindside flanker, with Nick Timoney at openside flanker.
Stuart McCloskey and James Hume start in the midfield partnership at inside and outside centre.
Jacob Stockdale starts at full-back after recovering from a foot injury against Dragons.
Prop, Eric O’Sullivan, is named among the replacements after returning from injury.
The full squad is:
- Sam Crean (3)
- Rob Herring (255)
- Tom O’Toole (124)
- Iain Henderson (Capt) (164)
- Cormac Izuchukwu (43)
- David McCann (69)
- Nick Timoney (168)
- Juarno Augustus (1)
- Nathan Doak (90)
- Jack Murphy (14)
- Zac Ward (11)
- Stuart McCloskey (205)
- James Hume (100)
- Rob Baloucoune (71)
- Jacob Stockdale (134)
- Tom Stewart (56)
- Eric O’Sullivan (128)
- Scott Wilson (36)
- Harry Sheridan (42)
- Sean Reffell (11)
- Conor McKee (2)
- Jake Flannery (20)
- Jude Postlethwaite (30)