Stormers v Ulster: Starting XV as Herring and Hume return
David McCann captains Ulster against DHL Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday 31 October, with Rob Herring and James Hume both returning to the starting XV for their first appearances of the season. Richie Murphy’s team face the Stormers in Round 5 of the BKT United Rugby Championship at DHL Stadium. Kick-off is 12.45pm GMT in the UK and Ireland, or 2.45pm South African time, with Premier Sports 2 carrying the match.
Stormers v Ulster: starting XV
Ulster’s confirmed matchday selection, listed in shirt-number order:
- 1. Eric O’Sullivan
- 2. Rob Herring
- 3. Keynan Knox
- 4. Ben Donnell
- 5. Eli Snyman
- 6. Cormac Izuchukwu
- 7. David McCann (C)
- 8. Juarno Augustus
- 9. Matthew Devine
- 10. Jack Murphy
- 11. Zac Ward
- 12. Ben Carson
- 13. James Hume
- 14. Michael Lowry
- 15. Ethan McIlroy
Ulster replacements
- 16. Henry Walker
- 17. Tom McAllister
- 18. Scott Wilson
- 19. Harry Sheridan
- 20. Martin Moloney
- 21. Conor McKee
- 22. Jake Flannery
- 23. Chay Mullins
Team news: four things to know
Herring and Hume return
Hooker Rob Herring returns in the front row alongside Eric O’Sullivan and Keynan Knox, while James Hume takes the outside-centre shirt alongside Ben Carson at 12. Both are selected for their first appearances of the 2026/27 campaign following injury absences. Their experience is a boost for a side that has yet to register a league win this term.
McCann leads an adjusted back row
David McCann captains the side from openside flanker, with Cormac Izuchukwu switching from the second row to the blindside. Juarno Augustus starts at number eight against his former club. Ben Donnell and Eli Snyman form the starting lock partnership.
Devine and Murphy form the half-back pairing
Matthew Devine comes in at scrum-half alongside Jack Murphy at fly-half. Zac Ward starts on the left wing, Michael Lowry is named on the right and Ethan McIlroy takes the full-back shirt. The selection gives Ulster a different combination in both midfield and the back three.
A five-three bench split
Ulster have named five forwards and three backs among the replacements: Henry Walker, Tom McAllister, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan and Martin Moloney provide forward cover, with Conor McKee, Jake Flannery and Chay Mullins covering the backs.
Matchday details
- Fixture: DHL Stormers v Ulster Rugby
- Competition: BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 5
- Date: Saturday 31 October 2026
- Kick-off: 12.45pm GMT (UK and Ireland) / 2.45pm SAST (Cape Town)
- Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
- TV: Premier Sports 2; Premier Player for eligible subscribers. URC.tv availability varies by territory.
What to watch against the Stormers
Ulster arrive in Cape Town after a 34–26 defeat to the Bulls in Pretoria last weekend, when they recovered from a heavy early deficit but left without a losing bonus point. The challenge this time is to start more strongly against a Stormers team that has won its previous home fixtures in this stretch of the competition.
There are some notable changes on the home side too. Ruhan Nel returns as Stormers captain, Cobus Reinach and Yaqeen Ahmed start together at half-back, and Damian Willemse is selected at full-back. The teams’ new combinations and how Ulster manage territory will be key aspects to follow.
Stormers v Ulster Match Hub
For the permanent fixture page, broadcast information and further coverage, visit our Stormers v Ulster Match Hub. This starting XV article is additional team-news coverage, not a replacement for the existing fixture hub.
Selections based on team news published on 29–30 October 2026. Last-minute changes can be made before kick-off.