URC: Hume amongst six Ulster returnees for Connacht clash

Ulster Head Coach Richie Murphy has made six changes to his starting line-up for Saturday's URC clash with Connacht in Galway.

Cormac Izuchukwu returns to the starting lineup for the first time since October, after missing out through injury and illness last week.

The Irish international forward committed his future to Ulster this week with a two-year contract extension and starts alongside Harry Sheridan in the second row. Sheridan's in line for his 50th appearance for his province.

There are two changes to the front row, with Sam Crean starting at loosehead prop and Scott Wilson at tighthead. Tom Stewart retains his position at hooker.

The back row trio remain unchanged, with David McCann starting at blindside flanker and captain Nick Timoney at openside, with Juarno Augustus at number eight.

In the half-backs, scrum-half Conor McKee makes his first interprovincial start alongside Jack Murphy at ten, while there are two personnel changes in the backline, with Zac Ward coming in on the left flank and James Hume returning to the midfield after he missed out last week with illness. Hume is partnered in the middle by Stuart McCloskey.

The in-form Werner Kok starts on the right wing, with Jacob Stockdale continuing at full-back.

John Andrew, Angus Bell, Tom O’Toole, Joe Hopes and Bryn Ward are the forwards cover on thr bench, while Nathan Doak, Jake Flannery and Jude Postlethwaite provide the backline replacements.

Ulster side to play Connacht, Dexcom Stadium Galway, Saturday December 27 (5.30pm)

1-8: Sam Crean, Tom Stewart, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Cormac Izuchukwu, David McCann, Nick Timoney (C), Juarno Augustus

9-15: Conor McKee, Jack Murphy, Zac Ward, Stuart McCloskey, James Hume, Werner Kok, Jacob Stockdale

Replacements: John Andrew, Angus Bell, Tom O’Toole, Joe Hopes, Bryn Ward, Nathan Doak, Jake Flannery, Jude Postlethwaite