Henderson to captain Ulster against Racing 92

Ireland international Iain Henderson captains Ulster in Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup with Racing 92.

Henderson is joined by fellow stalwart Alan O’Connor in the second-row.

World Cup winning Springbok, Steven Kitshoff makes his European home debut against Racing 92. Indeed, Kitshoff will face his South Africa teammate and captain, Siya Kolisi.

Joining Kitshoff in the front row is the returning Rob Herring at hooker and Tom O’Toole, retains his place at tighthead prop.

In the back row Dave Ewers who won the Champions Cup in 2020 with Exeter Chiefs, retains his place at blindside flanker. Ewers is joined by Nick Timoney at openside flanker.

Meanwhile, Ballymena man, Matty Rea, gets the nod at eight to complete the back-row. John Cooney returns to the starting line-up at scrum-half and is joined by Billy Burns at fly-half.

Jacob Stockdale and Rob Baloucoune retain their places on the left and right wing respectively.

Whereas, Stuart McCloskey and James Hume will continue their centre partnership in the back-field. Mike Lowry starts at full-back after returning from injury.

In a strong bench, McFarland opts for a 5:3 split as Tom Stewart, Eric O’Sullivan, Marty Moore, Kieran Treadwell and Harry Sheridan provide the forward options. Nathan Doak, Jake Flannery and Stewart Moore offering the back options as replacements.

Ulster: 15. Mike Lowry, 14. Rob Baloucoune, 13. James Hume, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 11. Jacob Stockdale, 10. Billy Burns, 9. John Cooney; 1. Steven Kitshoff, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom O’Toole, 4. Alan O’Connor, 5. Iain Henderson (C), 6. Dave Ewers, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Matty Rea.

Replacements: 16. Tom Stewart, 17. Eric O’Sullivan, 18. Marty Moore, 19. Kieran Treadwell, 20. Harry Sheridan, 21. Nathan Doak, 22. Jake Flannery, 23. Stewart Moore.