Bok star headlines powerful Ulster squad for SA trip

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Ulster coaching team have named their squad that will travel to South Africa to play the Lions and Sharks over the next two weekends in the United Rugby Championship.

Ulster face the Lions in Round Five of the league in Johannesburg at Ellis Park this Saturday. They will then play the Sharks at Kings Park on Saturday, October 22.

Springbok No.8 Duane Vermeulen has been included in the touring squad.

The 36-year-old only made one appearance for Ulster this season, which was in last weekend’s 47-17 victory over Ospreys in Belfast.

Meanwhile, there are also a number of Ireland internationals in Dan McFarland’s squad. One of them is SA-born hooker Rob Herring

The other Irish internationals are Nick Timoney, Kieran Treadwell, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Mike Lowry, Tom O’Toole, Jordi Murphy, John Cooney, Luke Marshall, Eric O’Sullivan, Marty Moore, Billy Burns and Rob Baloucoune.

Baloucoune is one of the victorious Emerging Ireland tour players that will link up with the Ulster squad this week in South Africa.

Scotland prop Rory Sutherland, who joined Ulster on a short-term deal after the financial chaos at Worcester Warriors, will also be heading to South Africa.

Ulster touring squad:

Forwards: John Andrew, Sam Carter, Rob Herring, Gareth Milasinovich, Marty Moore, Jordi Murphy, Alan O’Connor, Eric O’Sullivan, Tom O’Toole, Marcus Rea, Matty Rea, Rory Sutherland, Nick Timoney, Kieran Treadwell, Andrew Warwick, Duane Vermeulen.

Backs: Billy Burns, John Cooney, Angus Curtis, James Hume, Mike Lowry, Rob Lyttle, Luke Marshall, Stuart McCloskey.

Emerging Ireland: Rob Baloucoune, Nathan Doak, Jake Flannery, Cormac Izuchukwu, Dave McCann, Michael McDonald, Ethan McIlroy, Stewart Moore, Callum Reid, Tom Stewart.