Ireland international makes long-awaited return for Ulster

The second row has recovered from injury and illness and recently committed his future to the province, signing a two-year contract extension earlier this week. Izuchukwu comes into the engine room in place of Charlie Irvine for the meeting at Dexcom Stadium and will partner Harry Sheridan, who is set to make his 50th appearance for Ulster.

Izuchukwu’s strong form last year earned him a call-up to the Ireland squad for the 2024 summer tour of South Africa. He went on to make his international debut during the Autumn Nations Series in a 52–17 victory over Fiji and has three international appearances to date.

Ulster enter the fixture in fifth place in the United Rugby Championship after a solid start to the campaign, winning four of their opening six matches. Connacht, by contrast, have struggled to gain momentum and currently sit ninth, with just two victories from six outings.

In the front row, Sam Crean and Scott Wilson come into the starting side at loosehead and tighthead prop respectively, while Tom Stewart retains the hooker’s role. Conor McKee is handed his first interprovincial start at scrum-half and will partner Jack Murphy in the half-backs.

There are two changes in the backline, with Zac Ward named on the left wing and James Hume returning to link up with Stuart McCloskey in midfield. Werner Kok, who scored twice against Leinster, starts on the right wing, while Jacob Stockdale continues at fullback.

The back row remains unchanged, with David McCann, Nick Timoney and Juarno Augustus completing the pack.

Among the replacements, Nathan Doak, Jake Flannery and Jude Postlethwaite provide backline cover, while John Andrew, Angus Bell, Tom O’Toole, Joe Hopes and Bryn Ward are named as the forward options.

Ulster head into the Christmas period sitting fifth in the URC standings and will conclude their run of Irish interprovincial fixtures when Munster visit Belfast on 2 January.