Ulster Ravens manager Gary Longwell understands how important playing at Ravenhill is and the encouragement that the legendary Ulster supporters contribute on match night: “We all know the Ulster fans are brilliant, and that playing at Ravenhill always gives Ulster sides’ a great advantage. We need to get the Ulster supporters talking about how good these Ravens games are, how strong the Ulster side is. It is not a thrown together team, this is not average players playing, it is really high quality players playing for Ulster in a very important competition. I really hope the supporters come out to back us, and again next week when the senior team play the Ospreys.”
The Ravens welcome back to action full back Bryn Cunningham, after a lengthy hamstring injury. Bryn will be joined in the back three by; Mark McCrea and Tommy Seymour. Michael Allen and Ian Whitten continue in the midfield. Cillian Willis getting a start at scrum half, where he will partner Niall O’Connor.
Up front the pack has a very solid look, with Andi Kyriacou returning as hooker to captain the Ravens, alongside Bryan Young and Declan Fitzpatrick, in the front row. Neil McComb and Ed O’Donoghue partner in the second row. There is one change in the backrow; Trinity openside Scott La Valla makes his second Ravens appearance after his impressive debut against Leinster A.
The replacements bench has an experienced look, with the addition of Queens University and Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy prop Paul Karayannis and flanker Mark Robinson.
Ulster Ravens Team
(1-8) Bryan Young, Andi Kyriacou (Capt), Declan Fitzpatrick, Neil McComb, Ed O’Donoghue, T.J. Anderson, Scott La Valla, Robbie Diack
Replacements
(16-22) Nigel Brady, Paul Karayannis, Dan Tuohy, Mark Robinson, Paul Marshall, Ian Humphreys, Chris Cochrane
TICKET INFORMATION:
Click here to buy tickets on-line, or call the Ulster Rugby Ticket line on 028 90 493222, Option 2 (Mon – Fri, 10am –12noon) or visit the Ticket Office at Ravenhill (Mon-Fri , 9am to 5pm, 4pm on match nights.)
Tickets for the match are available to purchase on the gates from 6pm on Friday night and are priced at Adult £10 and £3 Children.
PARK and RIDE: The park & ride will run from Montgomery Road only on Friday night.
Click here to listen to Gary Longwells full interview
