RUGBY: Murphy returns to Ulster line-up for Cardiff clash

Henderson will captain side for URC clash

Iain Henderson (left) captains Ulster tomorrow night, while Jordi Murphy makes his first appearance of the season.
Author: Gareth McCulloughPublished 3rd Mar 2022

Jordi Murphy will make his first Ulster appearance of the season tomorrow night following his return from injury.

Dan McFarland's side take on Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship at the Kingspan Stadium (7.35pm kick-off).

Iain Henderson has been released from Ireland duty and will captain the side. Nick Timoney, Robert Baloucoune and James Hume are also back from the Irish camp and all start.

Murphy is named at blindside flanker alongside Marcus Rea at openside, with Timoney returning to take the Number Eight jersey. Henderson will partner Alan O’Connor in the second row. Meanwhile, Andrew Warwick and Marty Moore have been selected at loosehead and tighthead prop, with John Andrew retaining his starting berth at hooker.

Stewart Moore will line out at full-back, with Baloucoune and Ben Moxham taking up the right and left-wing positions. Hume partners Stuart McCloskey in the centre, while Nathan Doak and Billy Burns will once again start at scrum-half and out-half respectively.

Tom Stewart and John Cooney have both recovered from injury to be named among the replacements. Jack McGrath, Gareth Milasinovich, Sam Carter and Duane Vermeulen will provide the other forward options; Ian Madigan and Aaron Sexton are the back line reinforcements.

Ulster team v Cardiff Rugby

(15-9): Stewart Moore, Robert Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Ben Moxham, Billy Burns, Nathan Doak;

(1-8): Andrew Warwick, John Andrew, Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor, Iain Henderson (Capt.), Jordi Murphy, Marcus Rea, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Jack McGrath, Gareth Milasinovich, Sam Carter, Duane Vermeulen, John Cooney, Ian Madigan, Aaron Sexton.