Cardiff vs Ulster: Stockdale loses as Irish province make four changes for URC clash

Jacob Stockdale has not been included in the Ulster squad to face Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship at Parkway Scarlets on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

The Irish winger has been following World Rugby’s return-to-play protocols after showing late-onset concussion symptoms following last week’s Challenge Cup win over Stade Francais at Affidea Stadium.

The Irish province starting lineup for the encounter with Cardiff featured four changes from the side that defeated their French rivals in European competition.

Michael Lowry returns from an ankle injury to replace Stockdale at full-back, while Werner Kock plays on the right wing.

Australia loosehead Angus Bell has been named in the first row after being forced to withdraw from the starting squad to face Stade Francais last week due to illness.

Charlie Irvine has overcome a calf injury and comes into the second row to partner captain Ian Henderson, with Harry Sheridan dropped to the bench.

The match will see half-half Nathan Doak, who was named in the Ireland squad this week for the upcoming Six Nations, make his 100th appearance for Ulster.

Ulster and Cardiff both have 31 points in the top rungs of the URC table, with the Welsh side having played one game more.

Cardiff recorded a 29-26 win over Richie Murphy’s side when the two sides met in the pool stage of the Challenge Cup in December.

Ulster: Lori. Balcon, Hume, McCloskey, Cook; Murphy, Doc. Bell, Stewart, O’Toole; Henderson (c), Irvine; McCann, Timoney, Ward.

Replacements: Herring, O’Sullivan, Wilson, Sheridan, Dalton, Mackey, Flannery, Postlethwaite.