Jacob Stockdale will start at outside centre for Ulster in their United Rugby Championship match against Connacht at the Affidea Stadium in Belfast. The Ireland international, more accustomed to playing on the wing or at full-back, finds himself shifted into midfield due to injuries to Stuart McCloskey, James Hume, and Jude Postlethwaite. This marks only Stockdale's second appearance at centre, with his previous outing coming in Ulster's 68-21 win over Zebre in March 2017.

Hooker Tom Stewart and captain Iain Henderson return to the starting XV, while tight-head prop Tom O'Toole is named among the replacements. Scrum-half Nathan Doak partners Jack Murphy, with Michael Lowry at full-back and Werner Kok and Zac Ward on the wings. The front row features Angus Bell and Scott Wilson alongside Stewart, while Joe Hopes partners Henderson in the second row.

Ulster's back-row sees David McCann at blind-side flanker, Marcus Rea at open-side, and Juarno Augustus at number eight. For Connacht, Bundee Aki is one of five Ireland squad members drafted into the starting XV as head coach Stuart Lancaster makes nine personnel changes. With Ulster sitting third in the URC table and Connacht ninth, this fixture carries significant implications for both teams' playoff aspirations.