URC: McCloskey returns for quarter-final clash in Dublin

Stuart McCloskey returns to Ulster's starting line-up for tomorrow's huge United Rugby Championship quarter-final clash against Leinster in Dublin.

The Ireland centre, who was withdrawn from last week's defeat in Munster shortly before kick-off, comes back in for Jude Postlethwaite, while Matty Rea and Harry Sheridan come in for the injured Alan O'Connor and Kieran Treadwell.

Rob Herring will captain the province at the Aviva Stadiun and is joined by Eric O’Sullivan at loosehead prop and Tom O’Toole at tighthead in an unchanged front row.

22 year-old Sheridan gets the nod to start alongside Cormac Izuchukwu in the second row, while the back row sees Matty Rea make his 100th Ulster appearance, as he starts at blindside flanker.

David McCann, who scored a try in last week’s final loss in Thomond Park Munster, keeps his spot at openside flanker. Nick Timoney retains his spot at eight.

John Cooney starts at scrum-half and Billy Burns at ten, forming the half-back partnership, with Jacob Stockdale on the left wing and Mike Lowry again on the right.

The returning McCloskey is joined by Will Addison at outside centre. Addison's return to former club Sale Sharks at the end of this season was confirmed last week. Stewart Moore completes the back field, starting at full-back.

Tom Stewart, Andy Warwick, Scott Wilson, Greg Jones and Dave Ewers provide the forward options from the bench, while Nathan Doak, Ethan McIlroy and Jude Postlethwaite form the back options.

Ulster side to play Leinster at the Aviva Stadium, Saturday June 8th (5pm)

15-9: Stewart Moore, Mike Lowry, Will Addison, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, John Cooney;

1-8: Eric O’Sullivan, Rob Herring (C), Tom O’Toole, Harry Sheridan, Cormac Izuchukwu, Matty Rea, David McCann, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Andy Warwick, Scott Wilson, Greg Jones, Dave Ewers, Nathan Doak, Ethan McIlroy, Jude Postlethwaite