Who are the Ulster Academy stars set for senior debuts against Benetton Treviso?
As many as three Ulster Academy players could make their senior debuts at Kingspan Stadium on Friday night as Ulster host Benetton Treviso.
Schalk van der Merwe has been named as a replacement and needs little introduction but in the starting line-up is Aaron Hall and set to make their bows from the bench are Academy forwards Greg Jones and Matthew Dalton. So who are they all?
Aaron Hall
Age: 19
Position: Openside flanker
Club: Ballynahinch
Previous experience: Ulster A; Came through club system with Ballyclare RFC; Ballyclare Secondary School
Career highlight so far: Ulster Carpets Youth Player of the Year 14/15
Style of play: A tenacious openside who will be expected to aid Ulster's efforts at the breakdown.
Greg Jones
Age: 21
Position: No 8 / Flanker
Club: Banbridge
Previous experience: Leinster A; Ireland U20s; Joined Ulster Academy this season
Career highlight so far: Jones helped Ireland U20s to victory over New Zealand in order to seal their place at the 2016 World Rugby U20 Championship semi-finals. Ireland went on to beat Argentina 37-7 in the semis but lost out 45-21 to hosts England in the decider.
Education: Economics and Finance at UCD.
Style of play: After that historic victory over New Zealand, the Irish Times described Jones as "athletic, mobile" and as having "a knack for putting in the odd thunderous tackle."
Matthew Dalton
Age: 19
Position: Lock / Flanker
Club: Malone
Previous experience: Belfast Royal Academy; Ireland U19s; Ulster A
Career highlight so far: Has played for Ireland U19s and scored a try in last year's Schools' Cup semi-final, even if it was in defeat to MCB.
Style of play: Has been a physical presence in the Malone pack this season.
Belfast Telegraph Digital
