Jacob Stockdale has been named at outside centre for Ulster’s United Rugby Championship game against Connacht at Affidea Stadium as one of several Ireland squad members named in head coach Richie Murphy’s matchday squad.
With Stuart McCloskey unavailable after playing a major part in Ireland’s Six Nations campaign, and James Hume and Jude Postlethwaite both injured, Stockdale finds himself called into action in midfield as he is handed the number 13 short.
The 29-year-old, more customarily deployed on the wing or occasionally at full-back, will be joined at centre by Ben Carson.
Stockdale’s only previous appearance at centre came in Ulster’s comprehensive 68-21 win over Zebre in March 2017.
Hooker Tom Stewart and captain Iain Henderson return to the starting team, while tight-head prop Tom O’Toole is named as a replacement.
Nathan Doak returns at scrum-half to partner Jack Murphy, with Michael Lowry at full-back and Werner Kok and Zac Ward on the wings.
Props Angus Bell and Scott Wilson complete the front row, with Joe Hopes partnering Henderson in the second row.
David McCann returns at blind-side flanker, with Marcus Rea coming in instead of Bryn Ward at open-side and Juarno Augustus remaining at number eight.
Ireland wing Robert Baloucoune is a long-term absentee with an elbow problem, while Cormac Izuchukwu, Hume and Dave Shanahan are all missing after sustaining concussions in last week’s win over Edinburgh.
Jake Flannery is also injured, while Harry Sheridan is serving a suspension.
For Connacht, Bundee Aki is one of five Ireland squad members who are drafted into the starting XV as head coach Stuart Lancaster makes a total of nine personnel changes to the starting team which began last week’s win over Scarlets.
Skipper Cian Prendergast, Finlay Bealham, Darragh Murray and Billy Bohan come into the side after being involved with Ireland.
Dave Heffernan makes his comeback from injury at hooker.
Ulster sit third in the URC table, with Connacht lying ninth in the standings.
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