Double World Cup winner Kitshoff et to make first Ulster start

Double World Cup winner Steven Kitshoff will make his first start for Ulster tomorrow as they meet Edinburgh in the United Rugby Championship at the Kingspan.

In a season which has showcased the depth of the province’s squad with 46 Senior Men’s players having already featured on a teamsheet in the opening six rounds - the most of any club in the league - those getting the call-up for Round 7 are a blend of experience and youth.

Ireland internationals Iain Henderson (hip) and Rob Herring (calf) both miss out through injury, while Jake Flannery (groin) and Luke Marshall (shoulder) are also unavailable.

Leading the Ulster men out in front of a home crowd is Alan O’Connor, who is joined in the second row by Ireland international Kieran Treadwell.

Kitshoff will get his first run out in front of a Kingspan Stadium crowd, alongside last season’s URC’s Top Try Scorer Tom Stewart, and Tom O’Toole, in the front row - with both young players having been involved in Andy Farrell’s international campaign over the summer.

The number 8 jersey belongs to James McNabney, who made his debut last weekend, as one of 12 players to secure their first cap for the province so far in the 2023/24 season, with eight of the young talent having come through the Ulster Rugby pathway. He's supported by Matty Rea and Nick Timoney in the back row.

Scrum half John Cooney hit an impressive milestone last weekend in Scotstoun, and can now claim 1000 points for Ulster to his name, with Billy Burns, who he is paired with tomorrow night, having hit his 100th cap for the province last time out.

In a similarly familiar partnership, Stuart McCloskey is named at inside centre with James Hume at 13. Will Addison, after making a welcome return from long-term injury last week, is named at full back. Jacob Stockdale and Rob Baloucoune on the wings complete the starting line-up.

On the bench, the forward replacements are John Andrew, Andy Warwick, Marty Moore, Cormac Izuchukwu and Dave Ewers. Nathan Doak, Stewart Moore and Ben Moxham make up the options for the backs.

Ulster side to face v Edinburgh

(15-9): Will Addison, Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, John Cooney;

(1-8): Steven Kitshoff, Tom Stewart, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor (C), Kieran Treadwell, Matty Rea, Nick Timoney, James McNabney.

Replacements: John Andrew, Andy Warwick, Marty Moore, Cormac Izuchukwu, Dave Ewers, Nathan Doak, Stewart Moore, Ben Moxham