Today's game between Ulster 'A' and Ealing Trailfinders comes with an intriguing back story, involving the province's starting scrumhalf and outhalf.
Most would be able to guess, after seeing their surname, which Ulster legend's son lines out in the 10 berth, but the connection to the past runs deeper with their partner Rhys O'Donnell at 9.
David Humphreys is of course the former Ulster hero whose son James is also hoping to fore a career up north in the same position his father played.
However, on Twitter, a man by the name of Keith O'Donnell informed us that it was his son Rhys lining out at scrumhalf for Ulster A, and that many years ago he to lined out for an Ulster development side at 9, alongside none other than David Humphreys.
So about 30 years ago my half back partner in an Ulster development side was a brilliant teenage out half called David Humphreys. I was with Instonians and David was with Queens. Tomorrow our sons are half backs together with the same clubs.
Son Of David Humphreys Follows In His Father's Footsteps A He Lines Out For Ulster A
So about 30 years ago my half back partner in an Ulster development side was a brilliant teenage out half called David Humphreys. I was with Instonians and David was with Queens. Tomorrow our sons are half backs together with the same clubs.
— Keith O'Donnell (@keithodonnell63) January 5, 2023
READ HERE: Ronan O'Gara Discusses Intense Rivalry With 'Ruthless' David Humphreys
The game against Ealing kicked off at 2.30 pm today at the Trailfinders Sports Club.
You can view the Ulster team below, which features some notable inclusions such as Jake Flannery, David McCann, Rob Lyttle, Corman Izuchukwu, and Gaeth Milasinovich on the bench.
15-9: Shea O'Brien; Rob Lyttle; Ben Moxham; Jake Flannery; Ethan Graham; James Humphreys; Rhys O'Donnell
1-8: Callum Reid; Declan Moore; Scott Wilson; Cormac Izuchukwu; Frank Bradshaw-Ryan; Harry Sheridan (c); Matty Rea; David McCann
Replacements: James McCormick; George Saunderson; Gareth Milasinovich; Conor Neary; Adam Montgomery; Zac Solomon; Ben Gibson; James Girvan; Henry Boyle
SEE ALSO: Stephen Ferris On Rugby: "Some Ulster Players Need A Kick Up The Backside"
