Ospreys announce squad to face Ulster

The Ospreys have named their squad to face Ulster in the BKT URC. The fixture will take place at the Kingspan Stadium and is kicking off on Friday 18th October at 7:35pm.

Morgan Morris is set to captain a side that sees wholesale changes to the team that faced the Vodacom Bulls last week.

Gareth Thomas starts for the Ospreys at loosehead, with Sam Parry lining up at hooker and Ben Warren completing the front three.

Will Greatbanks makes his first start for the Ospreys as he partners with Lewis Jones at lock. Lewis Lloyd lines up at six, Justin Tipuric takes up the other flank and Morgan Morris starts at eight.

Kieran Hardy also makes his first start at scrum half with Dan Edwards in the 10 jersey. Owen Williams partners Evardi Boshoff in the centre, who makes his first start since returning to the club.

In the back three, Jack Walsh starts at full back, with Dan Kasende making his first start since his permanent move from the Cheetahs and Keelan Giles returns from injury to make his first appearance of the 24/25 season.

Dan Gemine and Rhys Thomas both take up spots on the bench and could be in line to make their Ospreys debuts.

Starting XV:
15. Jack Walsh
14. Dan Kasende
13. Evardi Boshoff
12. Owen Williams
11. Keelan Giles 
10. Dan Edwards
9. Kieran Hardy 

1. Gareth Thomas
2. Sam Parry
3. Ben Warren
4. Will Greatbanks
5. Lewis Jones
6. Lewis Lloyd
7. Justin Tipuric
8. Morgan Morris © 

Replacements:
16. Ethan Lewis
17. Garyn Phillips
18. Math Iowerth-Scott
19. Rhys Thomas
20. Dan Gemine
21. Reuben Morgan-Williams
22. Tom Florence
23. Max Nagy

Head Coach, Toby Booth, said: “Ulster are a very good team and there’s always a great atmosphere at Ravenhill. It’s going to be a tough gig, but we’ve got some good players ourselves and some youngsters that will be full of excitement. What’s important for us in this one is that we be the best we can be.”

Unavailable:
Rhys Henry, Dewi Lake, Tom Botha, Huw Sutton, Rhys Davies, Adam Beard, James Fender, James Ratti, Will Griffiths, Harri Deaves, Tristan Davies, Jac Morgan, Morgan Morse, Ryan Conbeer, Keiran Williams, Owen Watkin, Phil Cokanasiga, Iestyn Hopkins.