By:
Conor Martin
Richie Murphy has confirmed his matchday 23 for the United Rugby Championship showdown between Ulster and Scarlets.
Fresh off signing a new contract that secures his future for at least the next two seasons, Murphy makes four changes to the starting XV that defeated Stade Français in the Challenge Cup last weekend.
https://twitter.com/UlsterRugby/status/2014669674798002202
Ulstermen hoping to keep good form going this weekend against Scarlets
Twelve members of the squad are set for international duty next month, having been named in Ireland’s Guinness Six Nations and Ireland XV panels.
Iain Henderson leads the side and is joined in the engine room by Charlie Irvine, who returns from a calf injury.
Angus Bell comes into the front row at loosehead after missing last week through illness, alongside Tom Stewart at hooker and Tom O’Toole at tighthead.
The back row is unchanged, with David McCann, Nick Timoney and Academy number eight Bryn Ward continuing after Ward’s second straight Player of the Match display.
Nathan Doak has given his all for Ulster ever since his first appearance for the province
Nathan Doak marks his 100th Ulster appearance at scrum-half, partnering Jack Murphy at fly-half.
Doak has been a driving force for Ulster, combining sharp decision-making with lightning-fast delivery from scrum-half. His vision, composure under pressure, and ability to control the game’s tempo make him a key link between forwards and backs.
Doak’s defensive reliability and support play add balance across the park, while his work ethic and maturity shine through every match. Reaching 100 appearances is a milestone that reflects not just talent but consistency, leadership, and the vital role he plays in Ulster’s success and he’ll love to mark this impressive milestone with a win.
The midfield duo of Stuart McCloskey and James Hume stay in place, while Werner Kok returns on the left wing and Robert Baloucoune keeps his spot on the right. Michael Lowry is back from an ankle injury to take the full-back role.
Ulster’s bench is stacked: forwards Rob Herring, Eric O’Sullivan, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, and Matthew Dalton provide solid impact, while backs Conor McKee, Jake Flannery, and Jude Postlethwaite offer speed and spark off the bench.
Ulster: Angus Bell, Tom Stewart, Tom O’Toole, Iain Henderson, Charlie Irvine, David McCann, Nick Timoney, Bryn Ward, Nathan Doak, Jack Murphy, Werner Kok, Stuart McCloskey, James Hume, Robert Baloucoune, Michael Lowry
Replacements: Rob Herring, Eric O’Sullivan, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Matthew Dalton, Conor McKee, Jake Flannery, Jude Postlethwaite
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