Ulster have confirmed that they have picked up three injuries ahead of their trip to Munster this Saturday but could be boosted by the return of some international stars.
The province have confirmed that Louis Ludik, Will Addison and James Hume have all picked up injuries over the last week or so.
Ludik looks likely to miss the game after sustaining a concussion during last weekend’s 22-7 win over Zebre and will follow return to play protocols, while Addison also injured his shoulder in that game and will be monitored throughout the week to see if he may be in selection contention.
However, Hume will miss around four months of action after undergoing surgery on a torn hamstring last week.
Although there is a huge positive for the northern men who are expected to welcome back some of their Irish international contingent this weekend with skills coach Dan Soper hopeful that they will come through the week unscathed.
“They have integrated into parts, so they haven’t been a part of full training yet those guys. We didn’t want to throw them in at the deep-end, but they’ve done parts of training and look like they’re tracking pretty good. If they get through the rest of the week then hopefully we might see some part of them involved,” he said on the internationals returning.
The likes of Jacob Stockdale, Jordi Murphy and captain Iain Henderson are among those who have come back from the Irish camp and would be welcome returns to the Ulster set-up.
However, having been thumped 64-7 on their last trip to Thomond Park last season Soper’s is aware that his side will have a tough challenge to beat their rivals especially as some of their respective internationals return to the fold.
“I think they’re 17 on the bounce at home. It’s a hell of a challenge, a pretty exciting one to get stuck in to,” he added.
Meanwhile the game will see former Munster starlet Bill Johnston return to his former side but he is insistent that his past with the club has nothing to do with this game.
“It’s just a game, there’s four or five points up for grabs,” he said when questioned about the subject.
Ulster head into the game in second-spot in Conference A with four wins from their opening five games, and are five-points behind leaders Leinster and will hope that they can cut into that lead with a win against Conference B toppers Munster this weekend.
