Connacht advised the Ulster Branch that they would not able to field a team, as eight of their players are involved with the Irish Development Squad.,p>They have also a large number of injuries to players after last weekends matches, which left them with only eleven available players.

The cancellation is a huge disappointment to the Ulster team and coach Alan Solomons, and a serious disruption to their preparation for their forthcoming Celtic League < final game against Glasgow.

There has been an exhaustive search by branch officials to find an alternative team, however this is proving difficult with a full programme of rugby in England this week and also a full and 'A' international taking place in Scotland.