Squad Named For Ulster’s Duel With Dragons
A 31-man squad for Ulster’s rescheduled Magners League encounter with the Newport Gwent Dragons at Ravenhill on Friday (kick-off 7.05pm) has been named.
Ireland internationals Rory Best, Andrew Trimble, Tom Court and Paddy Wallace are unavailable this week, ahead of Ireland’s final RBS 6 Nations match against England on Saturday, while Ian Humphreys remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
BJ Botha and Stephen Ferris continue their rehab from elbow and knee injuries respectively, but on a more positive note, Dan Tuohy is included in the extended squad as he looks to return from a quad tear.
Ulster’s game against the Newport Gwent Dragons was originally due to be played at the beginning of December but fell victim to the wintry conditions. Tickets issued for the December match are valid for Friday night’s fixture.
Ulster currently occupy fifth place in the Magners League table with ambitions of making a play-off place. Tickets are available to purchase from www.ulsterrugby.com.
Ulster Rugby would advise supporters coming to the game (gates open 5.30pm) to avoid parking in the immediate vicinity of the Ravenhill grounds where restrictions may be in place, and instead make use of the Park ‘n’ Ride facilities at Pirrie Park and along Montgomery Road.
Meanwhile, Tommy Seymour, who is part of the Ulster squad to face the Dragons, is set to play for Glasgow Warriors next season. He has signed a two-year deal with the Scottish club.
ULSTER Squad (v Newport Gwent Dragons) – Backs (15): Adam D’Arcy, Jamie Smith, Tommy Seymour, David McIlwaine, Craig Gilroy, Mark McCrea, Luke Marshall, Conor Gaston, Nevin Spence, Ian Whitten, Darren Cave, Paddy Jackson, Niall O’Connor, Paul Marshall, Ruan Pienaar.
Forwards (16): Declan Fitzpatrick, Bryan Young, Adam Macklin, Paddy McAllister, Jerry Cronin, Nigel Brady, Andi Kyriacou, Neil McComb, Dan Tuohy, Tim Barker, Johann Muller, Willie Faloon, Robbie Diack, Chris Henry, Thomas Anderson, Pedrie Wannenburg.