Ulster And Munster Issue Injury Updates Ahead Of Interpro

With the Champions Cup parked until December, the focus of the provinces switches back to the GUINNESS PRO12 this week. Ulster and Munster are planning for Friday night’s interprovincial clash in Belfast, and both squads have a number of injury concerns.

Two of Ulster’s Ireland internationals, Darren Cave and Robbie Diack, have recovered from their respective injuries and are available for selection this week against Munster.

Luke Marshall (knee) and Dan Tuohy (hip) picked up low grade injuries when playing for the province’s senior and ‘A’ teams respectively last Saturday. They will continue to be monitored this week but it is hoped that they will be fit for selection.

Stuart Olding (hip flexor) and Kieran Treadwell (ankle) are doubtful for this weekend, while Peter Browne, Alan O’Connor (both concussion), Iain Henderson (shoulder), Rodney Ah You (knee) and Ross Kane (facial laceration) sustained injuries in the Champions Cup win over Exeter Chiefs and will be unavailable for selection this week.

In addition, centre Mark Best is ruled out due to a thumb injury sustained while playing for Ulster ‘A’ against London Scottish in the second round of the British & Irish Cup.

Chris Henry, Marcell Coetzee, Louis Ludik, Stuart McCloskey, Peter Nelson, Matthew Rea and Ricky Lutton all remain on Ulster’s injury list.

Meanwhile, Munster hooker Duncan Casey sustained a knee injury during last Saturday’s Champions Cup victory over Glasgow Warriors. He underwent a scan yesterday to assess the full extent of the injury.

Cathal Sheridan (ankle) has undergone surgery and has now commenced his rehabilitation programme with the Munster medical team.

Sam Arnold, John Andress and Jean Kleyn all continue to make good strides. Arnold (knee) is back in full training while Andress (knee) should progress to full training this week. Kleyn (ankle) is on course for a competitive return in November.

Continuing to rehab their respective injuries are Dave O’Callaghan (shoulder), Kevin O’Byrne (elbow), Mark Chisholm (concussion), Sean McCarthy (knee), Francis Saili (shoulder), Mike Sherry (back), Dave Foley (elbow) and Colm O’Shea (knee).