Stormers v Ulster Saturday March 26 1pm (UK Time) Super Sport (SA) / Premier Sports 1 / URC TV (Not in UK/SA)

[Neill_M]

The Ulster Rugby Medical Performance team has issued a squad update ahead of Saturday’s United Rugby Championship fixture against DHL Stormers at the DHL Stadium.

The Ulster Rugby squad (below) travelled to Cape Town yesterday ahead of the upcoming URC games against the DHL Stormers and the Vodacom Bulls.

Forwards: Alan O’Connor, Andy Warwick, Bradley Roberts, Callum Reid, Duane Vermeulen, Eric O’Sullivan, Gareth Milasinovich, Greg Jones, Iain Henderson, Jordi Murphy, Kieran Treadwell, Marcus Rea, Marty Moore, Matty Rea, Mick Kearney, Nick Timoney, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, Tom Stewart.

Backs: Ben Moxham, Billy Burns, Craig Gilroy, Dave Shanahan, Ethan McIlroy, Ian Madigan, James Hume, John Cooney, Luke Marshall, Michael Lowry, Nathan Doak, Rob Lyttle, Stewart Moore, Stuart McCloskey.

Sam Carter was unavailable to travel because of recent COVID-19 infection.

Luke Marshall has reintegrated into full team training and is available for selection again following the knee injury he sustained in November 2020.

Tom O’Toole has also reintegrated into full team training following the hamstring injury he suffered four weeks ago.

Squad updates in association with The Ulster Independent Clinic.

[SUFTUM_19]

Great to see Marshall back, think Hume has overtaken him, but a great option off the bench.

Few big names not travelling, wonder where Baloucoune is? McGrath, Andrew, McCann, Reidy and Curtis all not making the cut, really feel for Reidy and the way he has just disappeared off the radar. I get that maybe he’s not staying around next season but he deserves a big send off, it was only last season when he was playing some of the best rugby of his life.

[Neill_M]

Given the results of last two weekends when weakened NH sides went down to South Africa, a strong travelling squad was necessary if they want to break the winning streak of the South African sides etc.

[thecrouch]

Very surprised that we haven't brought Baloucoune

[jean valjean]

Hope baloucoune is ok. He'll have gone 4 weeks without a game come toulouse match.

[WestDr]

Great to see Luke M back - a really decent option off the bench but he'll do well to get there soon. But just the right time to have him ready, along with Tom O'Toole.

Somewhat surprised to see Hendo and Treadwell travelling, but if someone offered me 2 weeks in Cape Town in 25c (and 15c at night) right now then I'd be on the plane too..... It's a great opportunity for a warm weather training camp with real match practice. A long way to go, but the Algarve isn't so close nor is Dubai. As long as our lads can (a) stay safe when they go to the cheetah sanctuary and (b) avoid all BBQ fires.....

More seriously does anyone know where the visitors train when they're in CT ? Is it around UCT or do they get to use the hallowed turf at Bishops ?

[Dave]

Why would Hendy not be traveling? He needs game time.

Helpful of the medical update to not specify the absence of a few. Particularly Baloucoune. Otherwise a strong outfit. Delighted for Luke.

[StandUp]

Great to see Luke back. Agree re. Reidy, would love to see him get some game time before he leaves.
Matty carrying the suitcases?

[Dave]

Great to see Luke back. Agree re. Reidy, would love to see him get some game time before he leaves.
Matty carrying the suitcases?

Luggage all over the runway then.

[Neill_M]

Adam McKendry@admckendry·
Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy) will referee Ulster's game against the DHL Stormers on Saturday. He'll be assisted by Cwengile Jadezweni and Dylen November, with Quinton Immelman serving as TMO (all South Africa)

[StandUp]

Will he get driven back by a Stormers suitcase?

[StandUp]

Adam McKendry@admckendry·
Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy) will referee Ulster's game against the DHL Stormers on Saturday. He'll be assisted by Cwengile Jadezweni and Dylen November, with Quinton Immelman serving as TMO (all South Africa)
[/quote

Gusher might have a little trouble with those names if it’s on the wireless

[StandUp]

Adam McKendry@admckendry·
Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy) will referee Ulster's game against the DHL Stormers on Saturday. He'll be assisted by Cwengile Jadezweni and Dylen November, with Quinton Immelman serving as TMO (all South Africa)
[/quote

Gusher might have a little trouble with those names if it’s on the wireless

[allezlesverres]

It's a good call to take such a large squad over. I'm sure it is a big investment in terms of cost but we can't afford to be complacent after what just happened to Munster. Also we have a big month coming up and we need to manage how many minutes our key players are getting.

Interesting to see Callum Reid instead of Jack McGrath. Has he overtaken him or is Jack injured?

[UlsterNo9]

Justice for Sean Reidy!