Ulster Rugby Set To Welcome Game-Changing Talent Back To URC Action
Ulster Rugby Set To Welcome Game-Changing Talent Back To URC Action
Ulster Rugby is set to welcome back star winger Robert Baloucoune, an Irish international, and hooker Tom Stewart for their URC clash with the DHL Stormers.
Ulster Rugby head coach Richie Murphy was positive that Irish international winger Robert Baloucoune could make his return Friday against the DHL Stormers.
Currently ninth on the overall table, a win over the eighth-place Stormers is a non-negotiable for Murphy’s side if the team hopes to make this year’s quarterfinals.
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Claiming a much-needed wins in Round 12 and Round 13, Ulster has put itself in position to push toward the top 8, albeit with a very tough schedule remaining.
Following Friday’s clash with the Stormers, Ulster’s remaining schedule includes away fixtures against Leinster, Munster and Edinburgh, plus a home fixture with a Springboks-laden Hollywoodbets Sharks in Round 16.
In addition to its URC fixtures, Ulster will travel to Bordeaux for an Investec Champions Cup Round of 16 clash April 6.
Putting a positive slant on proceedings, in addition to the return of Baloucoune, Ulster recently welcomed back Irish internationals Jacob Stockdale, Stuart McCloskey and James Hume.
In addition to this group, Irish international hooker Tom Stewart and prop Andy Warwick are set to return for this week’s match.
Still on the injury report for Ulster are key players Ethan McIlroy, Werner Kok, Jude Postlethwaite, Cormac Izuchukwu and Iain Henderson.
Speaking about the return of his star winger, Murphy said, "It's been a tough year for him, it's more than 11 months that he's been out. He's through a couple of weeks training, and he's starting to look really sharp.
"It's brilliant to have him back in. His voice in and around the changing room, he's quite quiet, but when he says something, the lads listen. Especially in our backs, where we've a mix of young and old, his experience is vital."
Discussing his side’s league position and the upcoming clash with Bordeaux, Murphy was philosophical.
"We're dealing week to week. It's going to be a massive challenge, but the great thing for us is that we play Friday night, and we don't play Bordeaux until Sunday," he said.
"It gives us the weekend to have a think about it and really get into it during the week. For us, Bordeaux is very much on the back burner. Our league position is the most important thing at the moment."
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