Ulster have announced their squad for their Champions Cup second-round fixture against ASM Clermont at the Kingspan Stadium tomorrow at 19 45.
The Northern province are without Jack McGrath who is replaced by Eric O’Sullivan in the front-row.
Alongside him there is the experienced duo of Rob Herring and Marty Moore, as Alan O’Connor and captain Iain Henderson slot in behind them in the second-row.
The back-row sees Sean Reidy take a place as blindside-flanker, with Jordi Murphy at openside and Marcell Coetzee finishes the pack from No 8.
John Cooney continues in the half-backs alongside Billy Burns, who signed a new contract extension during the week. While Stuart McCloskey and Luke Marshall pair up once more in the centre.
Jacob Stockdale retains the left-wing position, with Louis Ludik on the right and Will Addison remains at full-back.
There is experience on the bench for head coach Dan McFarland to call upon if needed with the likes of Kieran Treadwell, Nick Timoney and Craig Gilroy among the replacements.
Speaking ahead of the game McFarland was full of praise for the opposition and knows his side are in for a fight.
“They’ll be smarting from the fact that they weren’t in the competition last year and will want to put on a good show with their star cast of players,” he said.
The match will be Ulster’s 150th in the competition and they will need to play well if they are to come out on top against the Top 14 giants and continue their winning start to their European campaign following last weekend’s victory over Bath.
Check Out the Full 23-Man Squad Below.
Starting XV:
Will Addison; Louis Ludik, Luke Marshall, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Billy Burns, John Cooney; Eric O’Sullivan, Rob Herring, Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor, Iain Henderson (capt), Sean Reidy, Jordi Murphy, Marcell Coetzee
Replacements:
Adam McBurney, Kyle McCall, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Nick Timoney, David Shanahan, Bill Johnston, Craig Gilroy
