Seven Ulster changes as Beirne makes Munster return

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy makes seven changes for Saturday's United Rugby Championship game against Munster, who will welcome back Tadhg Beirne. Stuart McCloskey starts at centre for Ulster while Tadhg Beirne returns to the Munster pack Ulster head coach Richie Murphy has made seven changes for Saturday's United Rugby Championship game against Munster, with returning Ireland internationals Stuart McCloskey and Nick Timoney included in the starting line-up. McCloskey, who started all three of Ireland's Nations Championship matches in July, returns at inside centre for the Affidea Stadium contest (17:30 BST), forming a new midfield partnership with summer signing Jamie Benson. It will be 34-year-old McCloskey's 218th Ulster appearance, moving him alongside former captain Rory Best in joint-third on the province's all-time cap list.

Timoney returns to the backrow alongside Ireland team-mate Cormac Izuchukwu and Juarno Augustus, while recent recruits Ben Donnell and Eli Snyman form a new second row. The front row of Eric O'Sullivan, captain Tom Stewart and Keynan Knox is unchanged. Nathan Doak makes his first start of the season at scrum-half, with Jack Murphy retained at 10 following a try-scoring display in last week's 33-33 draw with Glasgow. Jacob Stockdale will make his 150th appearance on the left wing a week later than planned after being forced to withdraw from the Glasgow game through injury. Robert