Will Addison will make his first appearance this season when the Ulster men host Cardiff Blues at Kingspan Stadium on Friday night (Kingspan Stadium, 7.35pm).
Addison is named at fullback and is one of five changes to the starting team who recorded a bonus point win over the Isuzu Southern Kings last time out.
Addison will be joined in the back three by Louis Ludik and Craig Gilroy – Ulster’s current most-capped player who will make his 172nd appearance. James Hume returns to partner Luke Marshall in midfield.
John Cooney starts at scrumhalf and will be one step closer to his 50th cap milestone, making his 49thappearance. He will play alongside Billy Burns at flyhalf, who will captain Ulster for the first time in a competitive game.
There are three changes in the pack; Jack McGrath returns to start at loosehead, along with John Andrew at hooker and Tom O’Toole anchoring the tighthead position. Kieran Treadwell comes in to join the PRO14’s top tackler in Round 3, Alan O’Connor, in the second row.
The back row remains unchanged with Matthew Rea at blindside flanker, Sean Reidy at openside, and Marcell Coetzee at number 8.
Nick Timoney has completed his recovery from a hand injury sustained in pre-season and is available off the bench, along with fellow forwards Adam McBurney, Eric O’Sullivan, Ross Kane and Sam Carter. David Shanahan, Bill Johnston and Matt Faddes make up the backline replacements.
Ulster team to play Cardiff Blues, Guinness PRO14 Round 4, Friday 25 October 2024 at Kingspan Stadium (kick-off 7.35pm):
(15-9) Will Addison, Craig Gilroy, Luke Marshall, James Hume, Louis Ludik, Billy Burns (Capt.), John Cooney;
(1-8) Jack McGrath, John Andrew, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor, Kieran Treadwell, Matthew Rea, Sean Reidy, Marcell Coetzee.
Replacements (16-23) Adam McBurney, Eric O’Sullivan, Ross Kane, Sam Carter, Nick Timoney, David Shanahan, Bill Johnston, Matt Faddes.
Former Ulster favourite Nick Williams will Captain Cardiff Blues this weekend.
Cardiff Blues: Matthew Morgan; Jason Harries, Garyn Smith, Willis Halaholo, Aled Summerhill; Jarrod Evans, Lloyd Williams; Brad Thyer, Liam Belcher, Scott Andrews, Josh Turnbull, Rory Thornton, Will Boyde, Olly Robinson, Nick Williams (capt)
Replacements: Kristian Dacey, Corey Domachowski, Keiron Assiratti, Seb Davies, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Lewis Jones, Jason Tovey, Harri Millard
