Stoddart in for Scarlets Heineken Cup clash

The twenty-two year old has bounced back brilliantly from an early pre-season injury setback when he broke a leg in Devon. He has been in stunning form with the Llanelli semi-professional Principality Premiership side and stood out when coming on for a cameo role against Edinburgh on Friday night in the Magners League.

Stoddart comes in for Garan Evans while Mark Jones, replacing Darren Daniel on the wing, is the only other change in the backs.

“Morgan deserves his chance with the Scarlets,” said Director of Rugby Phil Davies. “He’s been in great form for the semi-pro side. He’s strong and elusive and offers us something different.”

Stoddart is looking forward to the challenge which awaits him: “It’s a big step up but it’s a challenge I can’t wait for. Hopefully I can rise to the occasion.”

In the forwards there is an entirely new front row with Iestyn Thomas, Matthew Rees and Deacon Manu coming in while Gavin Thomas returns to the back row in place of James Bater.

Llanelli Scarlets: B Davies; D James, R King, G Evans, M Jones; S Jones, D Peel; I Thomas, M Rees, D Manu, V Cooper, I Afeaki, S Easterby (capt), G Thomas, A Popham

Replacements: A Gravelle, C Dunlea, A Jones, N Thomas, C Stuart-Smith, C Thomas, M Watkins


Ulster Rugby: B Cunningham; A Maxwell, P Steinmetz, P Wallace, A Trimble; D Humphreys, I Boss; J Fitzpatrick, R Best, B Young, J Harrison (capt), M McCullough, N Best, S Ferris, R Wilson

Replacements: P Shields, S Best, T Barker, K Dawson, K Campbell, K Maggs, S Young

Referee: Tony Spreadbury (England)