Champions Cup: Lyttle set for surprise Ulster return against Exeter

Rob Lyttle is set for an Ulster return after signig a short-term deal as emergecny injury cover in the back.

The Banbridge winger is named amongst the replacements for tomorrow's Champions Cup tie at home to Exeter Chiefs.

Fly-half Jack Murphy will make his first start in the competition, after coming off the bench in last week's defeat away toi Leicester Tigers. Nathan Doak retains the number nine jersey and will start alongside Murphy in a youthful half-back pairing.

The starting XV features four players who have been called up to the wider Ireland squad for the upcoming Six Nations, with Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Cormac Izuchukwu and development panellist James McNabney all included among the Ulster pack.

Herring returns from injury to start at hooker, where he is joined in the front row by props Eric O’Sullivan and Scott Wilson at loosehead and tighthead respectively. Henderson captains the side from the second row, with Izuchukwu getting the nod alongside him.

The back row features McNabney at blindside flanker, Nick Timoney on the openside and David McCann starting at number eight.

The midfield partnership remains the same, as Jude Postlethwaite and Ben Carson continue at inside and outside centre respectively. Michael Lowry and Stewart Moore make welcome returns from injury to start in the back three, with Lowry on the left wing, Moore at full back and Werner Kok on the right .

Murphy opts for a 5:3 split on the replacements bench, with a return to the matchday squad for Lyttle, who is in line for his first Ulster appearance since 2023.

Hooker Tom Stewart and fly-half Jake Flannery both return from injury to feature on the bench, with Flannery hoping to make his first appearance of the season.

Stewart, Callum Reid, Corrie Barrett, Kieran Treadwell and Harry Sheridan provide the forward options and John Cooney, Flannery and Lyttle the backline replacement choices.

Ulster side to play Exeter Chiefs, Friday January 17th (8pm)

15-9: Stewart Moore, Werner Kok, Ben Carson, Jude Postlethwaite, Michael Lowry, Jack Murphy, Nathan Doak

1-8: Eric O'Sullivan, Rob Herring, Scott Wilson, Iain Henderson (C), Cormac Izuchukwu, James McNabney, Nick Timoney, David McCann

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Callum Reid, Corrie Barrett, Kieran Treadwell, Harry Sheridan, John Cooney, Jake Flannery, Rob Lyttle