John Cooney Returns to Ulster Squad, Jack Murphy Nears Debut

John Cooney, having recovered from injury, has rejoined the Ulster squad for their United Rugby Championship fixture against Munster this Friday at 19:35 GMT. Additionally, academy fly-half Jack Murphy is a potential candidate to make his inaugural appearance from the bench. Murphy, an Ireland Under-20 international and the son of head coach Richie Murphy, transferred to the Ulster academy from Leinster earlier this year. The 20-year-old started in all five of Ireland’s matches during this year’s Under-20 Six Nations. Scrum-half Cooney, who was absent for Ulster’s Investec Champions Cup losses to Toulouse and Bordeaux, has been recalled to partner Aidan Morgan in the half-backs. The forward pack features four alterations. Andrew Warwick replaces Eric O’Sullivan at loosehead prop, Alan O’Connor will deputise for the injured captain Iain Henderson in the second row, while James McNabney and Marcus Rea are reinstated into the back row. Zac Ward retains his position on the left wing, having made his debut in the previous week’s defeat by Bordeaux. Beyond Henderson, Ulster will also be without Cormac Izuchukwu, Nathan Doak, Ben Carson, Stewart Moore, and Jacob Stockdale. Munster has made six changes to the team that was defeated by Castres in Europe last weekend, with Shane Daly, Paddy Patterson, John Ryan, Tom Ahern, Jack O’Donoghue, and Gavin Coombes all being recalled. Ireland international forwards Peter O’Mahony and Tadhg Beirne are not included in Munster’s lineup. Both Munster and Ulster currently share a record of three wins and four defeats in this season’s URC. Ulster’s starting lineup is: Michael Lowry; Werner Kok, Jude Postlethwaite, Stuart McCloskey, Zac Ward; Aidan Morgan, John Cooney; Andrew Warwick, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole; Alan O’Connor (capt), Kieran Treadwell; James McNabney, Marcus Rea, David McCann. The replacements are: John Andrew, Eric O’Sullivan, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Matty Rea, Dave Shanahan, Jack Murphy, Rory Telfer. Munster’s team selection includes: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Shane Daly; Jack Crowley, Paddy Patterson; John Ryan, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; Tom Ahern, Fineen Wycherley; Jack O’Donoghue (capt), John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes. The reserve players are: Eoghan Clarke, Dave Kilcoyne, Oli Jager, Evan O’Connell, Alex Kendellen, Ethan Coughlan, Rory Scannell, Brian Gleeson.