Wallace Facing Lay-Off After Surgery

Experienced Ulster back Paddy Wallace underwent surgery on Wednesday to repair tendon damage in his left thumb.

The 32-year-old sustained the injury during Ulster’s 16-11 Heineken Cup pool win over Clermont Auvergne at Ravenhill last Saturday.

The province’s medical staff had hoped surgery could be avoided but after reassessment on Wednesday, a decision was taken for Wallace to have an operation.

The injury is likely to keep him out of action for six to eight weeks, ruling him out of Ulster’s campaign for the rest of the calendar year.