Richie Murphy, the interim head coach of Ulster Rugby, plans to lead the province “in a new path.”

Since Dan McFarland left Ulster in February, Murphy has been in control of the team until the end of the season.

 

His two-match journey to South Africa includes away games against the Sharks and Stormers, which will be his debut games in charge.

Murphy remarked, “It’s about minor things that hopefully you will see on the pitch after a period of time.”

“Just try to generate some excitement, feed it, and establish a competitive atmosphere where younger and older players vie for the jersey.

“I believe we’ll have a favorable impact for the remainder of the season if we can accomplish that.”

Accepting temporary position in Ulster was a “very simple option.” – Murphy

For the United Rugby Championship doubleheader, Murphy will have a 30-man roster that includes Ireland Six Nations winners Iain Henderson, Stuart McCloskey, and Tom O’Toole.

For “family reasons,” Murphy explained, Jacob Stockdale, who was a member of the Ireland squad but did not play for Andy Farrell’s team during the Six Nations, is not part of the traveling party.

Over the Six Nations, O’Toole made one appearance off the bench in the victory over Italy, while Henderson and McCloskey each played in two games.

Nick Timoney and Tom Stewart reunite with the Ulster team, and Rob Herring, the Ireland international who missed the Six Nations due to an elbow injury in January, may make a comeback during the tour.

Prop tighthead Dave Ewers in the back row and Marty Moore are not on the team.