Sheridan set to reach Ulster milestone in Connacht clash

Harry Sheridan is set to make his 50th appearance for Ulster when they face provincial rivals Connacht in Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship fixture at a sold-out Dexcom Stadium in Galway.

Sheridan will combine in the engine room with Cormac Izuchukwu, who returns to full fitness after a recent spell out through injury and illness. Izuchukwu’s inclusion comes just days after Ulster confirmed he had signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at the province until 2028.

The 24-year-old Sheridan has been a near ever-present this season under head coach Richie Murphy and reaches his half-century of caps less than three years after making his Ulster debut against La Rochelle in the Champions Cup.

Ulster have made six changes to the side that lost to Leinster last week as they look to finish the calendar year on a positive note. Tom Stewart retains the hooker jersey following his try-scoring display, with Sam Crean and Scott Wilson joining him in the front row.

Nick Timoney continues as captain in the absence of Iain Henderson, who remains sidelined with a back issue. David McCann and Juarno Augustus complete the back row. In the half-backs, Conor McKee earns his first interprovincial start alongside Jack Murphy, with Nathan Doak unavailable due to a calf injury.

James Hume returns from illness to partner Stuart McCloskey in midfield. Zac Ward comes in on the wing for the injured Robert Baloucoune, with Werner Kok switching flanks and Jacob Stockdale continuing at full-back.

Ulster XV: Jacob Stockdale; Werner Kok, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Zac Ward; Jack Murphy, Conor McKee; Sam Crean, Tom Stewart, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Cormac Izuchukwu, David McCann, Nick Timoney (capt), Juarno Augustus.

Reserves: John Andrew, Angus Bell, Tom O’Toole, Joe Hopes, Bryn Ward, Nathan Doak, Jake Flannery, Jude Postlethwaite.