Prop Kane To Captain Ulster ‘A’ Against Munster Counterparts
In preparation for the British & Irish Cup quarter-finals, the Ulster ‘A’ team will take on Munster ‘A’ in a challenge game at Banbridge Academy on Thursday afternoon (kick-off 3pm).
While they are unable to call upon Ulster’s Ireland Under-20 contingent, ‘A’ team coaches Kieran Campbell and Willie Anderson have named a side with plenty of experience playing at this level.
Ross Kane will captain Ulster ‘A’ from tighthead prop, with Tommy O’Hagan and hooker Adam McBurney joining him in the front row. Peter Browne’s experience will complement the youth of Abbey Insurance Ulster Academy lock Jack Regan in the second row, with Clive Ross also providing senior experience alongside Marcus Rea and Greg Jones in the back row.
Behind the pack, David Shanahan and Peter Nelson combine at half-back, with Jack Owens, Aaron Cairns and David Busby forming a dangerous looking back-three. Dungannon clubman Chris Swash comes into midfield where he will be joined by outside centre Callum Patterson.
On the bench, Zack McCall, Eric O’Sullivan, Zack Ward, Caleb Montgomery and Azur Allison, who has impressed for Ballymena of late, provide the forward cover, with Graham Curtis (young brother of Ireland U-20 international Angus) and Stewart Moore offering the back-line options.
Ulster ‘A’ are building towards their British & Irish Cup quarter-final clash with Bedford Blues at Goldington Road on Saturday, March 31 (kick-off 3pm). Both sides topped their respective pools with five wins and one defeat, with Campbell and Anderson’s charges accounting for the Scarlets Premiership Select (twice), Hartpury (twice) and Cornish Pirates.
ULSTER ‘A’ (v Munster ‘A’): David Busby; Aaron Cairns, Callum Patterson, Chris Swash, Jack Owens; Peter Nelson, David Shanahan; Tommy O’Hagan, Adam McBurney, Ross Kane (capt), Peter Browne, Jack Regan, Marcus Rea, Clive Ross, Greg Jones.
Replacements: Zack McCall, Eric O’Sullivan, Zack Ward, Caleb Montgomery, Azur Allison, Graham Curtis, Stewart Moore.