McFarland makes several changes for Ulster PRO 14 trip to Dragons

The Ulster match-day squad to face Dragons at Principality Stadium tomorrow night has been named (kick-off 7.35pm).

The starting back line sees two positional switches and four changes from the side that faced Leinster last weekend. Jacob Stockdale will take up the full-back position and will be joined on the wings by Rob Lyttle and Craig Gilroy. Stewart Moore comes in to partner Stuart McCloskey in midfield. Michael Lowry switches from full-back to fly-half, and will pair up with Alby Mathewson at scrum-half.

In the front row, Ross Kane comes in to start at tighthead, joining John Andrew at hooker and Eric O’Sullivan at loosehead. Last week’s second row pairing of Alan O’Connor and Kieran Treadwell is retained, with O’Connor named as skipper. Academy back-rower, David McCann is named at blindside flanker, along with Sean Reidy at openside and Nick Timoney completing the pack at Number Eight.

Brad Roberts, Callum Reid, Gareth Milasinovich, Cormac Izuchukwu and Matty Rea make up the forward options on the bench, and David Shanahan, Ian Madigan and Ethan McIlroy offer back line cover.

Ulster team to play Dragons, Guinness PRO14 Round 15, Saturday 13 March at Principality Stadium:

(15-9) Jacob Stockdale, Craig Gilroy, Stewart Moore, Stuart McCloskey, Rob Lyttle, Michael Lowry, Alby Mathewson;

(1-8) Eric O'Sullivan, John Andrew, Ross Kane, Alan O'Connor (C), Kieran Treadwell, David McCann, Sean Reidy, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: Brad Roberts, Callum Reid, Gareth Milasinovich, Cormac Izuchukwu, Matty Rea, David Shanahan, Ian Madigan, Ethan McIlroy.