Ulster coach Dan McFarland has included seven current Ireland squad members, as well as Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen, in the touring group for their Vodacom United Rugby Championship tour of South Africa.
Ulster confirmed the squad that has travelled to South Africa for two matches, first a clash with the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, before the Irish side travels to Pretoria to face the Vodacom Bulls next week.
Ireland wing Robert Bloucoune is the only current international squad member who is not on tour, while regular captain Iain Henderson has been included.
The other six Ireland players called up by McFarland include Rob Herring, Kieran Treadwell, Nick Timoney, James Hume and Mike Lowry, while prop Tom O’Toole is back from injury.
Vermeulen’s personal battles with two highly rated young No 8s, Evan Roos of the Stormers and Elrigh Louw of the Vodacom Bulls, is shaping up to be a highlight of the looming matches.
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Here is the squad that has travelled to South Africa for #URC fixtures against DHL Stormers and Vodacom Bulls.#SUFTUM pic.twitter.com/hyQVca3L1u
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) March 22, 2022
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Photo: John Dickson/Sportsfile via Getty Images
