Rugby: Murphy captains Ulster as Stockdale makes return
Ulster v Exeter, Kingspan Stadium, Friday September 2 (7pm)
Last updated 1st Sep 2022
Ulster McFarland has named an extended matchday squad for tomorrow night's pre-season clash at home Exeter.
It includes a blend of youth and experience, with Jordi Murphy leading the team out as captain at number eight. Murphy will be joined in the back row by Academy flanker Harry Sheridan and new signing Sean Reffell.
In the front row, Callum Reid packs down with Declan Moore, who made his move from Munster official this season, and Jeff Toomaga-Allen. Another summer signing, Frank Bradshaw-Ryan, and Sam Carter are paired together in the second row.
Behind the pack, new half-backs Michael McDonald and Jake Flannery will get their first outing for Ulster. Ian Madigan and Angus Curtis are paired in midfield, with Rob Lyttle, Aaron Sexton, and Shea O’Brien, who has been awarded an Ulster contract after impressing for City of Armagh, named in the back three.
Included among the raft of replacements who will be hoping to test their legs and lungs ahead of the first URC game against Connacht at home on Saturday September 17th are Jacob Stockdale and Cormac Izuchukwu, who will both be making a welcome return from injury layoff.
Ulster team to play Exeter Chiefs:
(15-9): Shea O’Brien, Aaron Sexton, Angus Curtis, Ian Madigan, Rob Lyttle, Jake Flannery, Michael McDonald;
(1-8): Callum Reid, Declan Moore, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Frank Bradshaw-Ryan, Sam Carter, Harry Sheridan, Sean Reffell, Jordi Murphy (Captain).
Replacements from: Eric O’Sullivan, Tom Stewart, John Andrew, Marty Moore, Gareth Milasinovich, Alan O’Connor, Cormac Izuchukwu, Matty Rea, Marcus Rea, Greg Jones, Nathan Doak, Conor McKee, Billy Burns, Jacob Stockdale, Luke Marshall, Craig Gilroy, Stewart Moore, Rory Telfer.