Irish internationals return for Connacht and Ulster

Ireland international Jordi Murphy will make his first appearance of the season for Ulster in tomorrow night's United Rugby Championship meeting with Cardiff [live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player].

The former Leinster man returns at blindside flanker having recovered from consecutive foot and knee injuries.

Dan McFarland has been able to pick a strong starting XV for the visit of the Welsh side, with Iain Henderson captaining the team at lock after missing Ireland's win against Italy due to Covid-19.

He forms a new second row partnership with Alan O'Connor, among five changes from their win against the Dragons a fortnight ago.

Murphy replaces David McCann in the back row, linking up with Marcus Rea and Nick Timoney, while Duane Vermeulen provides a wealth of experience off the bench.

With Tom O'Toole injured, Marty Moore returns at tighthead where he packs down alongside John Andrew and Andrew Warwick.

In the half-backs, Nathan Doak and Billy Burns start together again, although John Cooney is available off the bench having recovered from a calf injury.

James Hume and Stuart McCloskey form their familiar centre partnership with Rob Baloucoune and Ben Moxham continuing on the wings, and Stewart Moore is picked at full-back.

Ulster: Stewart Moore; Robert Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Ben Moxham; Billy Burns, Nathan Doak; Andrew Warwick, John Andrew, Marty Moore; Alan O'Connor, Iain Henderson (capt); Jordi Murphy, Marcus Rea, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Jack McGrath, Gareth Milasinovich, Sam Carter, Duane Vermeulen, John Cooney, Ian Madigan, Aaron Sexton.

Jack Carty [above] and Dave Heffernan are among seven changes for Connacht, as they look to continue their good recent form in the URC.

The pair start tomorrow