Werner Kok returns to face former team as Ulster welcome back Ireland star

Werner Kok is set to face his former side for the first time in Ulster colours after being named on the wing for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship Round 16 clash against the Hollywoodbets Sharks at Kingspan Stadium.

The 31-year-old South African makes his first start since January, a welcome boost given Ulster’s push for the URC playoffs.

Head Coach Richie Murphy also welcomes back Stuart McCloskey, with the Ireland international recovered from the injury that ruled him out against Leinster.

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Alan O’Connor captains the side in what will be his final home appearance. The veteran lock is joined in the farewell bracket by Andrew Warwick, Matty Rea and Kieran Treadwell, all of whom are set to feature for the last time in Belfast.

The front row remains unchanged, with Warwick, Rob Herring and Tom O’Toole packing down again after last weekend’s clash in Dublin.

Fixture

United Rugby Championship

Ulster

19 - 22

Full-time

Sharks

All Stats and Data

Cormac Izuchukwu retains his place in the second row alongside O’Connor, while Rea replaces David McCann at blindside flanker in the only change to the back row.

Nathan Doak and Jack Murphy continue as the half-back pairing.

Zac Ward starts on the left wing, with Kok on the right and Jacob Stockdale shifting to full-back after injuries to Michael Lowry and Stewart Moore.

Jude Postlethwaite and McCloskey form the midfield partnership, as Ulster aim to solidify their top-eight credentials.

Murphy has opted for a 6:2 split on the bench, with Treadwell, McCann and Tom Stewart among the forward options. Dave Shanahan and Aidan Morgan provide cover in the backs.

ULSTER: Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom O’Toole, 4. Alan O’Connor (C), 5. Cormac Izuchukwu, 6. Matty Rea, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. James McNabney, 9. Nathan Doak, 10. Jack Murphy, 11. Zac Ward, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Jude Postlethwaite, 14. Werner Kok, 15. Jacob Stockdale

Replacements: 16. Tom Stewart, 17. Callum Reid, 18. Scott Wilson, 19. Matthew Dalton, 20. Kieran Treadwell, 21. Dave Shanahan, 22. Aidan Morgan, 23. David McCann