Ulster

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John Cooney and Stuart McCloskey are among those recalled to an Ulster team showing eight changes for Saturday's United Rugby Championship game against the Lions in Johannesburg (11:55 BST).

Cooney has recovered from a hamstring injury to replace Nathan Doak at scrum-half while McCloskey is back to partner Stewart Moore in midfield.

South African winger Werner Kok earns his first start after coming off the bench in last week's win over URC champions Glasgow in Belfast.

There are five changes in the pack. Andy Warwick and Tom O'Toole replace Eric O'Sullivan and Corrie Barrett as the props with Alan O'Connor captaining the team from the second row alongside Kieran Treadwell.

Matty Rea and Sean Reffell are recalled as the flankers. Head coach Richie Murphy - who is without Emerging Ireland players Cormac Izuchukwu, Jude Postlethwaite and Harry Sheridan - opts for a split of six forwards and two backs on the bench.

Ulster beat the Lions in Belfast last season but lost both of their matches in South Africa in March, losing to the Sharks and the Stormers.

After Saturday's game, Ulster travel to Pretoria to face the Bulls on 5 October.

Ulster: Ethan McIlroy; Werner Kok, Stewart Moore, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Aidan Morgan, John Cooney; Andrew Warwick, John Andrew, Tom O’Toole; Kieran Treadwell, Alan O’Connor (capt); Matty Rea, Sean Reffell, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: James McCormick, Eric O’Sullivan, Corrie Barrett, Iain Henderson, James McNabney, Nathan Doak, Mike Lowry, David McCann.

Listen to Lions v Ulster on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Foyle & BBC Sport website from 11:45 BST on Saturday.

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Scrum-half John Cooney has been included in Ulster's 30-man travelling squad for their upcoming United Rugby Championship double-header in South Africa while Tadgh McElroy has joined the club.

Cooney missed last weekend's opening URC win over Glasgow because of injury but has returned to full training this week.

Ulster have also confirmed that former Connacht and Leinster hooker McElroy has joined the club on a "short-term injury cover basis".

The 27-year-old former Ireland U20 international joins at a time when Ulster hookers Rob Herring and Tom Stewart are sidelined through injury.

Ireland centre Stuart McCloskey is also included in the squad after missing the Glasgow game.

Ulster face the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday (11:55 BST) before taking on the Bulls in Pretoria on 5 October (15:00 BST).

Backs: John Cooney, Nathan Doak, Dave Shanahan, Aidan Morgan, James Humphreys, Jacob Stockdale, Mike Lowry, Ben Moxham, Werner Kok, Stuart McCloskey, Stewart Moore, Ben Carson, Ethan McIlroy

Forwards: Andy Warwick, Eric O’Sullivan, Callum Reid, John Andrew, James McCormick, Tadgh McElroy, Tom O’Toole, Corrie Barrett, Iain Henderson (capt), Alan O’Connor, Kieran Treadwell, Charlie Irvine, James McNabney, Matty Rea, Sean Reffell, David McCann, Nick Timoney.

Jonathan Bradley
BBC Sport NI Journalist

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Ulster's David Shanahan says having to wait so long for his opportunities makes moments like Saturday night's winning try against Glasgow Warriors all the sweeter.

The 31-year-old made his debut for the province over 11 years ago but has spent the majority of his professional career as their third choice nine.

With John Cooney starting the season nursing an injury, the Dublin native was named on the bench against the URC champions and capped off a lengthy cameo in the dramatic 20-19 win with the all-important try four minutes into additional time.

"It does, yeah," he said when asked if the game-clinching score in the season's first game feels like a case of perseverance rewarded.

"I try to stay pretty consistent with how I think. It's up to the coaches to pick the best player and who the best two nines are.

"The way I look at it is, when I get a chance, play my very best. That's all I can do. I was happy I was able to make a decent impact, anyway."

Shanahan admitted he did not know why his score was checked by the TMO, with the delay giving the province's players and supporters a nervy wait.

Ulster's celebrations were put on ice as, while Aidan Morgan was lining up the conversion attempt with the game seemingly won, the try was reviewed by the match officials before being confirmed.

"Maybe it was illegal but the scoreline's there now and it can't be changed.

"Regardless of who you're playing it's always good to win your first game of the season.

"We're away to South Africa [to play the Lions and Bulls] so it'll be a tough couple of weeks, but hopefully we can kick on from that result and maybe get a couple of results over there, too."

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Ulster assistant coach Dan Soper says the last-gasp 20-19 victory over Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship opener was "good entertainment".

The Belfast hosts trailed the champions four minutes into the red when Dave Shanahan touched down to give Ulster a dramatic winning start to the campaign.

"This group of guys have character, they're not going to go away and they'll stay in the fight," said Soper.

"It was good entertainment - it was a bit nervy. We could be a lot more efficient, scoring a bit quicker but Dave Shanahan did the job at the death so it's a great way to start the year."

Glasgow dominated for much of the game and led 12-10 at the break but Ulster finished strongly with two tries in the final eight minutes.

"We weren't brilliant, we are all aware of that, but we did enough in the first half, we were under a lot of pressure to stay in the game and then in the second half it was much of the same.

"We did just enough to get our noses in front at the death."

Ulster now travel to South Africa to face the Lions next Saturday before a meeting with the Bulls.

"We're pretty pleased to get this result but we have a tough couple of weeks coming up so we'll need to get better."

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Ulster back row David McCann has signed a one-year contract extension which will keep him at the Irish province until at least 2026.

McCann was one of Ulster's standout performers during the 2023-24 season and made 13 turnovers and 158 tackles in United Rugby Championship games last term.

His contribution was rewarded with personal honours in the form of being chosen as Ulster men's player of the year and Rugby Writers' Player of the Year at the 2024 Ulster Rugby Awards.

The 24-year-old has represented Ireland at Under-20s level and was included in the Emerging Ireland tour of 2022.

Ulster Rugby’s Head of Recruitment and Rugby Operations, Bryn Cunningham, said:

"Dave has really come on as a player in the past twelve months. His significant physical development has been a big factor in many of his stand-out performances last season.

"He has very quickly established himself in our team and has become a vital cog in our squad, with his all-round game giving him the versatility to excel across the back-row positions.

"Dave is an extremely ambitious individual, who has a great desire to keep setting high standards for himself and those around him. He will continue to improve and build on his overall game. We are delighted to secure him beyond this season.”

On his extension, McCann commented: : "I’m delighted to sign a new deal with Ulster Rugby. I felt last season was a huge year for me personally, and I want to continue that into next season.

"I’ve worked hard on my game, felt I had some good form, and enjoyed being a regular in the team as we competed in the URC and Europe.

"We have a great blend of forwards here, and I love training and playing alongside them. My aim is to keep developing as a player and I’m excited about being part of this squad for the years to come.”

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New signings Aidan Morgan and Corrie Barrett will make their competitive debuts for Ulster in Saturday's United Rugby Championship opener at home to holders Glasgow.

Captain Iain Henderson returns to start in the second row alongside Kieran Treadwell after a toe injury forced him to miss Ireland's summer tour of South Africa.

Barrett is in the front row, with Eric O'Sullivan at loosehead prop and John Andrew included at hooker.

Nathan Doak retains his place at scrum-half after starting the pre season friendly defeats against Benetton and Exeter Chiefs.

South African Werner Kok will also be hoping to make his competitive debut from the bench as he is named amongst the replacements.

Richie Murphy is without a number of experienced players for the game against the reigning URC champions due to injury.

John Cooney has a hamstring problem whilst Rob Herring is ruled out of the game with a calf issue and fellow hooker Tom Stewart is sidelined with an ankle injury.

Backs James Hume, Robert Baloucoune and Jake Flannery also miss out through injury.

Back row Reuben Crothers (knee) and wings Aaron Sexton (hamstring) and Zac Ward (groin) picked up injuries in Ulster's pre-season defeat by Exeter and are unavailable.

Ulster: Ethan McIlroy, Mike Lowry, Stewart Moore, Jude Postlethwaite, Jacob Stockdale, Aidan Morgan, Nathan Doak; Eric O’Sullivan, John Andrew, Corrie Barrett, Iain Henderson (C), Kieran Treadwell, James McNabney, David McCann, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: James McCormick, Andrew Warwick, Tom O’Toole, Harry Sheridan, Cormac Izuchukwu, Dave Shanahan, James Humphreys, Werner Kok.

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Ulster have signed prop Corrie Barrett on a one-year deal after a successful trial.

Barrett linked up with the squad in pre-season and featured in their friendly defeats against Benetton and Exeter Chiefs.

He previously played for Ulster ‘A’ as well as having spells with Munster ‘A’, Bedford Blues, Saracens, and most recently, Doncaster Knights in the RFU Championship last season.

And the 26-year-old expressed his excitement at returning to Belfast to play with the province.

“I’m delighted to sign with Ulster, as a youngster, it was always my goal to play for the club," he told Ulster's website.

"After four seasons in England, I’m excited about coming back home and getting to play with my home province.

“The setup has been very welcoming and seamless. I can already see with the calibre of players and coaches here that my game will improve.”

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Ireland centre Stuart McCloskey has signed a two-year contract extension with Ulster.

The 32-year-old, who has won 18 Test caps, debuted for his native province in February 2014 and has since amassed 190 appearances for the side.

An integral part of the set-up at Kingspan Stadium, he had been linked with a move to France last season but is now committed to Ulster until the summer of 2027.

"I’m delighted to have signed a new contract for the next two years," he said.

"I feel like I’m playing the best rugby of my career, and I’m enjoying my role as one of the more experienced players in the team."

In what figures to be a youthful squad guided by former Ireland Under-20s head coach Richie Murphy this season, McCloskey added that he is looking forward to lending his experience to younger team-mates.

"We have a squad packed with talent, and have a good blend between experience and youth. It’s exciting times around the place, and we have a core of young centres coming through that I’m excited to work with and help push them on.

"I'm really motivated and excited for the season ahead as we move forward."

Head coach Murphy said McCloskey's experience within the group meant he had taken on a leadership role with his young squad.

"He has taken a real senior role within the team," Murphy said.

"He's been excellent. It's not necessarily a defined role but he has been really good over the past number of weeks leading those guys.

"We're very excited to have him and he seems excited to be here over the next number of years."

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Ulster head coach Richie Murphy was not concerned with the result of his side's pre-season defeat to the Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park on Saturday.

Seven days prior to their URC campaign starting with the hosting of Glasgow Warriors at Kingspan Stadium, Ulster led late against the English opponents they will see again in the Champions Cup come January.

But Rob Baxter's side scored 17 unanswered points in the final quarter to win the friendly 31-15.

Murphy, however, was not too bothered by the result, focussing instead on how well the game prepared his side for the resumption of competitive action this weekend.

“We're not really too concerned about the scoreline," said the Ulster coach.

“It was more about getting the hit-out. Our maul attack and defence and some of our breakdown stuff was really good.

"Our ability to look after the ball is probably something we need to work on."

Ulster played the game without the likes of Iain Henderson, Tom O'Toole, Cormac Izuchukwu and Rob Herring, with Murphy pleased by how his side responded physically without so many of their first-choice pack.

“It was a brilliant workout and a very physical game for a friendly,” he added.

“I don’t think the score reflects what the game was like. I don’t think Exeter would have thought they had won by 16 points and towards the back end of a game we’re trying to get ready for [the] weekend so we’re pulling players off and bringing in young guys."

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South African Werner Kok is in line to make his Ulster debut in Saturday's pre-season friendly against Exeter at Sandy Park.

The back-three player, who was signed from the Sharks this summer, is named among the replacements for the trip to England.

Zack Ward is handed his first Ulster start, with the trialist on the right wing after coming off the bench in last weekend's 26-19 victory over Benetton in Belfast.

The front row sees a return to action for Andrew Warwick at loosehead prop while trialist Corrie Barrett is named at tighthead.

Alan O'Connor will captain the team from the second row and development talent James McNabney starts at eight.

The half-back partnership this weekend sees scrum-half Nathan Doak pairing up with Kiwi Aidan Morgan, who made his debut for the province last weekend.

Ben Carson starts at inside centre and is joined by Jude Postlethwaite while Aaron Sexton starts again on the right wing with Ethan McIlroy completing the backfield at full-back.

Ulster: Ethan McIlroy; Zac Ward, Jude Postlethwaite, Ben Carson, Aaron Sexton; Aidan Morgan, Nathan Doak; Andrew Warwick, James McCormick, Corrie Barrett, Alan O’Connor (capt), Kieran Treadwell, Matty Rea, Marcus Rea, James McNabney.

Replacements: John Andrew, Eric O’Sullivan, Scott Wilson, Henry Walker, Harry Sheridan, Reuben Crothers, David McCann, Nick Timoney, Dave Shanahan, James Humphreys, Mike Lowry, Stewart Moore, Werner Kok, Ben Moxham