Ulster Squad Sees Extensive Changes for Champions Cup Match, Ward Set for Senior Debut

Zac Ward is set to make his senior debut for Ulster this Saturday in the Investec Champions Cup match against Bordeaux-Begles at Kingspan Stadium, joining a significantly altered squad. Ward previously distinguished himself playing for Ireland sevens at the Olympic Games in Paris. Having joined the Ulster squad at the beginning of the current season after his notable performance for Ireland sevens in the Paris Olympics, Ward will feature on the left wing. Ward’s inclusion is among ten personnel adjustments made to the lineup that started last week’s 61-21 loss to defending champions Toulouse in France. Jude Postlethwaite has been brought in at centre, while Michael Lowry will shift to full-back. Head coach Richie Murphy has decided to overhaul the entire forward pack, which now includes seven Ireland internationals. Hooker Rob Herring will make his initial start for Ulster this season, forming the front row alongside Eric O’Sullivan and Tom O’Toole. Iain Henderson returns to the second row to captain the team for this Pool 1 fixture, marking his 50th European appearance. Kieran Treadwell will partner him in the second row. The flanker positions will be filled by Cormac Izuchukwu and Nick Timoney, with David McCann chosen as number eight. Aidan Morgan and Nathan Doak will once more form the half-back pairing. Academy utility back Rory Telfer is poised to make his senior debut from the bench, and James Humphreys could potentially make his first Champions Cup appearance if introduced into the game. The confirmed Ulster starting lineup is: Lowry; Kok, Postlethwaite, McCloskey, Ward; Morgan, Doak; O’Sullivan, Herring, O’Toole; Henderson (capt), Treadwell; Izuchukwu, Timoney, McCann. Replacements include: Andrew, Warwick, Wilson, Sheridan, Marcus Rea, Shanahan, Humphreys, Telfer.