Preparations for the new BKT United Rugby Championship, kicking-off next weekend with Ulster v Connacht at Kingspan Stadium, are being finalised as both teams look to use Friday’s fixture to fine tune ahead of the new season.

Watch live on Recast

The Glasgow v Ulster fixture will be streamed exclusively live on the new Ulster Rugby Recast channel. Supporters can join Recast for free here – and will receive 100 free Cast Credits when they join. To earn extra Casts to watch content, fans can watch ads, share content, invite friends, or purchase Cast Credits, with one Cast Credit valued at 1p.

To follow Ulster Rugby’s Recast channel, join Recast for free by visiting here.

McCann to lead out Ulster

Dan McFarland has named 22-year-old, David McCann, as captain for the clash at Scotstoun Stadium. McCann, who has captained the Ulster ‘A’ team and Ireland at U19 and U20 level, will line out at number 8 and is joined in the back row by Matty Rea and new signing, Sean Reffell, who put in an impressive performance in last week’s victory over Exeter, including a number of stand-out turnovers.

A change in the starting front row sees Eric O’Sullivan and Tom Stewart step-up, while Jeff Toomaga Allen, another recent signing, starts again as tighthead prop. Following a welcome return from injury last week, Cormac Izuchukwu is named in the second row, alongside Wallaby Sam Carter.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Nathan Doak and Jake Flannery, who teed-up Ian Madigan for the first try of last week’s game, are tomorrow night’s half-backs, while Angus Curtis and Stewart Moore make up the midfield.

Ireland International, Rob Baloucoune, Ulster Academy signing, Rory Telfer, and Jacob Stockdale, who secured the loudest cheer at Kingspan Stadium last Friday when he scored a late try following a return from nearly a year out with injury, are the province’s choice of back three.

Also making the journey to Glasgow will be replacements John Andrew, who scored one of Ulster’s five tries at home last weekend, as well as Michael McDonald, who put in a Player of the Match performance in his first outing in an Ulster shirt.

Ulster team to play Glasgow Warriors, pre-season friendly, Friday 9 September at Scotstoun Stadium (KO 7 30pm), live on the Ulster Rugby Recast channel.

(15-9): Rory Telfer, Rob Baloucoune, Stewart Moore, Angus Curtis, Jacob Stockdale, Jake Flannery, Nathan Doak;

(1-8): Eric O’Sullivan, Tom Stewart, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Sam Carter, Cormac Izuchukwu, Matty Rea, Sean Reffell, David McCann (Captain).

Replacements from: Callum Reid, John Andrew, Declan Moore, Gareth Milasinovich, Frank Bradshaw-Ryan, Harry Sheridan, Jordi Murphy, Lorcan McLoughlin, Dave Shanahan, Michael McDonald, Ian Madigan, Rob Lyttle, Craig Gilroy, Shea O’Brien.

Upcoming Home Fixtures

Ulster Rugby will be at home for three of the opening four rounds of the new BKT United Rugby Championship season, including two inter-provincial derbies.

Round 1:
Ulster v Connacht
Sat 17 Sep, 7.35pm

Round 3:
Ulster v Leinster
Fri 30 Sep, 7.35pm

Round 4:
Ulster v Ospreys
Sat 8 Oct, 7.35pm

Match tickets for each of these fixtures are available to buy now at ulster.rugby/buytickets.