International Trio Return For Ulster’s Challenge Game Against Reds
Stuart McCloskey was reinegrated into full team training following his recovery from the hamstring injury he suffered during Ulster's defeat to Munster in December ©INPHO/James Crombie
Ulster welcome back Ireland internationals Jacob Stockdale, Stuart McCloskey, and James Hume to the team for Friday’s Bank of Ireland mid-season challenge match against Queensland Reds at Kingspan Stadium (kick-off 7.35pm). Tickets are available to buy here.
Hume makes a welcome return at outside centre following his long lay-off, after suffering an ACL injury against Cardiff last April. He underwent an ACL reconstruction and a meniscus repair.
Hume reforms his formidable centre partnership with McCloskey who returns from a hamstring injury, having not played for the province since December’s BKT United Rugby Championship derby defeat to Munster.
Also back from a hamstring problem, Stockdale will feature on the left wing for the first time since playing for Ireland during their Autumn Nations Series win over Fiji in November.
Ulster head coach Richie Murphy has named an extended 31-player squad for Friday’s fixture, with a mixture of young prospects and front-line experience in line for crucial minutes against top quality opposition from Australia.
Loosehead prop Andrew Warwick pack down with Tom Stewart and Corrie Barrett in the front row, supported from the engine room by captain Alan O’Connor and Matthew Dalton, who has rejoined his home province following stints in England and France.
The 22-year-old Lorcan McLoughlin continues at openside flanker, fresh from his first senior start against Zebre. Matthew Rea and David McCann complete the back row trio.
Conor McKee has been putting in strong performances for Ballynahinch in Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division 1A this season. The 23-year-old scrum half gets the nod at half-back, combining with Aidan Morgan.
Joining Stockdale in the back-three are Ireland Sevens star Zac Ward on the right wing and Jake Flannery, who made his 17th appearance for the Ulstermen off the bench against Zebre last time out.
Murphy has three 20-year-old Academy players hoping to get minutes as replacements on Friday night, with centre Wilhelm de Klerk (20), back rower Tom Brigg, and prop Jacob Boyd all eager to impress.
The senior forward replacements are James McCormick, Eric O’Sullivan, Bryan O’Connor, Harry Sheridan, Reuben Crothers, and Kieran Treadwell.
Dave Shanahan, James Humphreys, Michael Lowry, Ben Carson, Jude Postlethwaite, Stewart Moore, and Michael McDonald provide the back-line options.
ULSTER (v Queensland Reds): Jake Flannery; Zac Ward, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Aidan Morgan, Conor McKee; Andrew Warwick, Tom Stewart, Corrie Barrett, Alan O’Connor (capt), Matthew Dalton, Matthew Rea, Lorcan McLoughlin, David McCann.
Replacements: James McCormick, Eric O’Sullivan, Bryan O’Connor, Harry Sheridan, Tom Brigg, Dave Shanahan, James Humphreys, Wilhelm de Klerk, Jacob Boyd, Reuben Crothers, Michael Lowry, Ben Carson, Jude Postlethwaite, Stewart Moore, Michael McDonald, Kieran Treadwell.