CRAIG GILROY IS set to become the eighth Ulster man to make 200 appearances for the province if called upon on Saturday, as he is named among the replacements in the match-day squad to face Ospreys on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Mike Lowry has been selected at full-back, with Ethan McIlroy on the left wing and Robert Baloucoune on the right. Stuart McCloskey and Angus Curtis will form the midfield pairing. John Cooney and Billy Burns have been named scrum-half and out-half respectively.
Brad Roberts will come in to start at hooker, with Eric OโSullivan and Tom OโToole either side of him in the front row. Alan OโConnor will captain the team and is named in the second row with Kieran Treadwell.
Sean Reidy comes in to start at blindside, with Nick Timoney at openside and David McCann completing the base of the pack.
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โ Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) December 3, 2021
Your #UlsterRugby team to face @Ospreys tomorrow afternoon has been named (https://t.co/UJCmnemzgv Stadium, 3pm kick-off) โคต๏ธ
Full story โก๏ธ https://t.co/yT7DeaipC0 #OSPvULS | #SUFTUM โช๏ธ๐ด pic.twitter.com/zafe5BUJuF
Jack McGrath makes his return to the Ulster side after recovering from injury and is named among the replacements.
Although named on the bench last week versus Leinster, Tom Stewart wasnโt called upon, so could make his senior debut tomorrow as he is selected again in the replacements with fellow forwards, Marty Moore, Mick Kearney and Marcus Rea. Nathan Doak, Stewart Moore and potential double-centurion, Craig Gilroy will provide the back line cover.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT๐
โ Ospreys (@ospreys) December 3, 2021
Here is your Ospreys team to face @UlsterRugby in the @URCOfficial at the @SwanscomStadium K.O 3pm
๐๏ธhttps://t.co/7JrwXxaZEO pic.twitter.com/Lbk6Rt6jt8
Ulster team to play Ospreys, United Rugby Championship Round 7 at Swansea.com Stadium, 3pm kick-off, live Premier Sports and URC TV:
(15-9) Mike Lowry, Robert Baloucoune, Angus Curtis, Stuart McCloskey, Ethan McIlroy, Billy Burns, John Cooney; (1-8) Eric OโSullivan, Brad Roberts, Tom OโToole, Kieran Treadwell, Alan OโConnor (Capt.), Sean Reidy, Nick Timoney, David McCann.
Replacements: Tom Stewart, Jack McGrath, Marty Moore, Mick Kearney, Marcus Rea, Nathan Doak, Stewart Moore, Craig Gilroy.
Good to see McGrath back. Havenโt given up hope he can return to something like the form of his Lions days. As when they signed him, he would be a big addition to the quality of Ulsterโs front five
@Kevin Ryan: been plenty of talk surrounding his retirement due to injury but so great to see him back on the pitch. If I were an ulster fan (which Iโm not) Iโd be delighted to see him get a good run of games under his belt because Eric just ainโt good enough for champions cup!!
@Kevin Ryan: There were reports that Ulster were intrested in SA LH, but wouldnโt agree to the cost to buy out his contract. It may just have been his agent trying to get a better deal but if not, its not a good sign for Jack as it apears Ulster are not confident he will get back to his best, if they are prepared to use a NIE spot on a LH. I think these games are Jacks last throw of the dice, if he remains injury free and finds form he will be a valuable member of the squad. If an injury reoccurs or if they have taken their toll and he isnโt able to play at the level he used to, I think he will retire.
Jack McGrath โ class act
Several hours after beating the all blacks in a crowded bar in Chicago came over to me and my mates and invited us all for a pint โ no introduction or anything โ what r u having lads โฆ.
Something that will remain with me for rest of my life and the type of attitude that makes rugby such a unique sport
Hereโs hoping he comes back to his best as we could use him as we build towards 2023 โฆ
@John Lowry: I hope so too, but as I said above I think this is his last throw of the dice, if he has an injury setback or just the injuries have taken a toll and he isnโt physically able to play at the same level he did, I think he will retire. Hope for his and Ulsters sake he stays injury free and rediscovers his best form, and plays on for a good number of years more.
@John Lowry: nice story mate , remember when jack had Cian Healy on the bench for a couple of seasons when he was in form . Letโs hope he finds it again . Great guy off the pitch too in terms of charity work as well .
They could do with a few of Henderson, Murphy, Stockdale, Addison and Madigan back by January Heineken Cup games
Best of luck Jack and congratulations to Craig Gilroy.
Great to see McGrath back. Though Warwick has done well having EOS and Jack at loose head and TOT and Moore at tight gives us real quality for the 80 minutes. Going into the European games weโll need to be at our best. Ospreys have their internationals back so it should be a good game.