McCloskey returns to Ulster side for huge inter-pro clash against Munster
Ulster v Munster, Kingspan Stadium, Friday November 10th (7.35pm)
Stuart McCloskey comes straight into the Ulster starting 15 for tomorrow night's URC inter-pro clash against Munster at the Kingspan.
Ulster hope to bounce back after their 22-20 defeat away to Connacht last time out.
Tom Stewart captains the side, with the 22-year-old hooker returning to the starting line-up to lead the home side in an inter-provincial derby for the first time.
Joining Stewart in the front row is Eric O’Sullivan at loosehead, while Greg McGrath is named at tighthead, making his first start at home. In the second row, Cormac Izuchukwu and Kieran Treadwell start at lock after both missing last weekend’s trip due to injury.
David McCann starts on the blindside, with Marcus Rea returning to the team at openside flanker, while Nick Timoney retains his place at eight and Nathan Doak and Billy Burns in the half-back partnership.
Ireland international McCloskey is straight into the team after having a period of rest following the Rugby World Cup in France. The Bangor man starts at inside centre alongside Stewart Moore.
On the left wing, Jacob Stockdale, will hope to continue his fine try-scoring form this season as he returns to the team. Rob Baloucoune starts on the right wing for his second appearance of the campaign and Ethan McIlroy completes the back field, as he starts at full-back.
In a strong bench, Ulster welcome back two fan favourites, with Rob Herring and club captain, Iain Henderson, returning from international duty.
The fixture will mark a historic landmark for Herring, as the hooker is set to smash Ulster’s all-time appearance record - a call-up from the bench will mark the 230th time he represents Ulster.
Callum Reid is also amongst the replacement, alongside Academy tighthead prop, Scott Wilson, who is hoping to make his debut for the province.
Dave Ewers returns to the squad after suffering an injury against Vodacom Bulls. John Cooney is also back and on the bench, with former Munster fly-half Jake Flannery and centre, Jude Postlethwaite, completing the replacement options.
Ulster team v Munster
(15-9): Ethan McIlroy, Rob Baloucoune, Stewart Moore, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, Nathan Doak;
(1-8): Eric O’Sullivan, Tom Stewart (C), Greg McGrath, Cormac Izuchukwu, Kieran Treadwell, David McCann, Marcus Rea, Nick Timoney.
Replacements: Rob Herring, Callum Reid, Scott Wilson, Iain Henderson, Dave Ewers, John Cooney, Jake Flannery, Jude Postlethwaite.