Commenting on the squad’s development to date, McLaughlin said: “We are making progress and are starting to play good, strong rugby, but we have a bit of distance to go yet. There are still improvements to be made and skills to be perfected, but we will continue to work and improve and fight our corner every week.
“It’s about learning from your mistakes and continuing to make improvements after each game. I think we are making good headway. The players are working extremely hard and buying into the ideas that I and the other coaches; Jeremy Davidson and Neil Doak, are bring to them. We are pleased and positive about how things have gone to date.”
Ryan Caldwell returns to the squad after recovering from an ankle injury. Tamaiti Houra, Niall O’Connor, Mark McCrea and Academy player Ian Porter, all receive call-ups. While; Simon Danielli, Dan Tuohy, Rory Best, David Pollock, Bryn Cunningham, Matt McCullough and Cillian Willis were not available for selection, due to injury.
ULSTER FORWARDS Nigel Brady, Brendon Botha, Bryan Young, Ed O’Donoghue, Andy Kyriacou, Chris Henry, Stephen Ferris, Willie Faloon, Thomas Anderson, Neil McComb , Tom Court, Declan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Caldwell, Tamaiti Houra
ULSTER BACKS Timoci Nagusa, Darren Cave, Andrew Trimble, Ian Whitten, Paul Marshall, Isaac Boss, Ian Humphreys, Paddy Wallace, Clinton Schifcofske, Ian Porter, Niall O’Connor, Mark McCrea
The playing 22 will be named on Thursday at noon.
