Double delight for Ulster brothers as Leinster awaits at the Kingspan
Rea duo prepare for special day as McFarland rings changes
It will be a special day today (Sat) for one particular sporting family as Ulster take on Leinster at the Kingspan.
Matty Rea (ABOVE) is set to start for Dan McFarland’s side while Academy player sibling Marcus is on the bench.
Overall, it’s a relatively new-look Ulster side with David Busby making his first appearance of the season after being sidelined with a serious knee injury.
The utility back has previously played four games and scored a try on his debut against Zebre in February 2017.
Busby will be joined in the back three by Academy players Michael Lowry and Angus Kernohan, who have made a combined total of 30 appearances to date this season.
Darren Cave (PICTURED ABOVE), who will retire from the game at the end of the campaign, will skipper the side.
He partners Peter Nelson in midfield, with David Shanahan and Johnny McPhillips paired at half-back by the Ulster coaching team.
Andy Warwick, John Andrew and Ross Kane are selected in the front row, with Ian Nagle and Alan O’Connor ready to offer support from the second row. Matty Rea, Clive Ross and Sean Reidy complete the forward pack.
Tommy O’Hagan and Jack Owens could make just their second appearances after being named among the replacements.
Adam McBurney, Tom O’Toole, Nick Timoney, Jonny Stewart and Rob Lyttle are the other options on the bench.
The Ulster team and replacements to face Leinster (Guinness PRO14, Kingspan Stadium, Saturday 27th April, 5.15pm):
(15-9): Michael Lowry; David Busby, Darren Cave (captain), Peter Nelson, Angus Kernohan; Johnny McPhillips, Dave Shanahan;
(1-8): Andy Warwick, John Andrew, Ross Kane, Ian Nagle, Alan O’Connor, Matty Rea, Clive Ross, Sean Reidy;
Replacements (16-23): Adam McBurney, Tommy O’Hagan, Tom O’Toole, Nick Timoney, Marcus Rea, Jonny Stewart, Jack Owens, Rob Lyttle