Ulster Squad Named For Edinburgh Match

Coach Brian McLaughlin has named a 27 man Ulster panel ahead of announcing his starting XV and replacements for this Friday’s match against Edinburgh at Ravenhill (ko 8.05pm) later this week.

With two wins from two in the League to date, Ulster will be looking to consolidate their good start to the season but following last weekend’s winning performance against Aironi, the coaching staff were adamant that there is plenty to work on.

Rory Best, who was injured in the opening match against the Ospreys and rested for last weekend’s trip to Aironi is included in the panel, as is prop BJ Botha, who returned to Belfast last week following the conclusion of the Tri Nations.

Andrew Trimble could be set to make an earlier then expected return to rugby following finger surgery this summer and has been named alongside the man who was brought into the squad as his short-term cover, USA Eagle Paul Emerick.

Edinburgh defeated Ulster 13-16 on their last visit to Ravenhill, something Ulster will want to ensure there is no repeat of this Friday, but the Ulstermen will be vary of the Scottish side, who come to Belfast on the back of two League defeats.

Ulster Forwards
Tom Court, Paddy McAllister, Bryan Young, BJ Botha, Rory Best, Nigel Brady, Andi Kyriacou, Johann Muller, Tim Barker, Ryan Caldwell, Stephen Ferris, Chris Henry, Willie Faloon, Robbie Diack, Pedrie Wannenburg

Ulster Backs
Adam D’Arcy, Jamie Smith, David McIlwaine, Paul Emerick, Andrew Trimble, Jonny Shiels, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Ian Humphreys, Niall O’Connor, Ian Porter, Paul Marshall