Will Addison set to make return to Ulster action after two years on the sidelines
Ulster and Ireland utility back Will Addison has been named among the replacements and may make his long-awaited return to action as Ulster A take on Connacht A on Friday afternoon at Ballynahinch RFC.
If he features in the game, it will mark his first involvement with Ulster in almost two years since suffering a broken leg against the Lions in October 2021, which was the latest in a series of injuries - including serious back and calf injuries - in his Ulster stint.
Addison has played only 26 games for Ulster since moving from Sale in 2018 and has also earned five Ireland caps during his time with the province.
Despite having a career which has become blighted by injury, his obvious talents when he has been able to pull on the white jersey earned him an Ireland call-up in his debut season with the province.
Hopes of a possible return last season were unfortunately dashed. However, it is hoped that this season the 31-year-old will add experience and quality to Ulster’s struggling backline this season if he can remain fit.
Ulster head coach Dan McFarland will use this game to give players minutes as they step up their pre-season preparations, with a delayed start to the regular season caused by the Rugby World Cup.
After a long summer break, Ulster have named a side which features a combination of youth and experience.
Kieran Treadwell starts and Tom Stewart is on the bench, both returning to action with their province having featured in the wider Irish training squad before missing out on World Cup selection.
Ulster veterans John Andrew, Nick Timoney, Dave Shanahan and Luke Marshall feature alongside a number of less familiar faces.
New development prop, 21-year-old Ben Griffin starts at tight-head having signed a one-year deal with Ulster after impressing for Clontarf in the AIL.
Former Ireland U20s stars Reuben Crothers and Jude Postlethwaite, start in the back row and centre respectively.
City of Armagh RFC’s Shea O’Brien gets the nod at full-back and fellow Armagh man, prop Paul Mullan, is on the bench alongside a host of senior players including the aforementioned Will Addison.
The game kicks off at 3pm and forms a double header, with an Ulster 'Development XV' squaring off against a Connacht representation immediately after.
Ulster 'A' side: Shea O'Brien; Ethan McIlroy, Luke Marshall, Jude Postlethwaite, Aaron Sexton; Angus Curtis, Dave Shanahan; Callum Reid, John Andrew, Ben Griffin; Cormac Izuchukwu, Kieran Treadwell; Matty Rea, Reuben Crothers, Nick Timoney.
Replacements: Andy Warwick, Tom Stewart, Paul Mullan, Harry Sheridan, Greg Jones, Marcus Rea, Nathan Doak, Billy Burns, Stewart Moore, Ben Moxham, Will Addison.
Ulster 'Development' XV: Rory Telfer; Lukas Kenny, Rory Ellerby, Ben Carson, Ethan Graham; James Humphreys, Conor McKee; George Saunderson, Zac Solomon, Scott Wilson; Joe Hopes, Charlie Irvine; James McNabney, Josh Stevens, Lorcan McLaughlin.
Replacements: Henry Walker, Jack Boal, Cameron Doak, James McKillop, Mark Lee, Ryan Davies, Bryn Ward, Zach Quirke, Henry Boyle, Ben Gibson, Ben McFarlane, James Girvan, Jacob Boyd.
