Ulster Rugby have been handed a significant lift ahead of their pivotal BKT United Rugby Championship fixture against Munster this weekend, with several key players returning to training.
Ireland international Iain Henderson headlines the list of returning players after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury sustained in February. The experienced lock’s fitness will be monitored throughout the week, raising hopes that he could feature in Saturday’s high-stakes encounter at Thomond Park.
Joining Henderson in rejoining squad training are Sean Reffell, Robert Baloucoune, James Hume, and Eric O’Sullivan, according to an injury update released by the club on Tuesday afternoon. Their potential return comes at a crucial time for Ulster, who are under pressure to reverse a dip in form that has seen them lose their last two league matches.
There was further positive news as Michael Lowry and Stewart Moore, both of whom suffered concussions during the recent defeat to Leinster, have returned to full fitness. Lowry also dealt with a neck issue. Meanwhile, tighthead prop Tom O’Toole is back in full training after missing last week’s win over the Hollywoodbets Sharks due to a family bereavement and is available for selection.
However, several players remain unavailable. Jake Flannery (knee), John Cooney (ankle), Ben Carson (back), Ethan McIlroy (knee), and Ben Moxham (knee) are all still sidelined through injury.
Ulster face an uphill battle as they travel to Limerick needing a win to keep their URC playoff hopes alive. They haven’t suffered three consecutive league defeats since April 2022 and have struggled on the road this season, with just two away wins — against Connacht and Dragons — from their URC campaign.
The historical odds also stand against them, with their last victory at Thomond Park coming over a decade ago in May 2014. However, the return of several key players could provide a much-needed spark for the province as they look to halt their recent slide and reignite their season in one of the toughest venues in the league.
Saturday’s fixture is expected to be a fiercely contested affair, with both sides pushing for crucial points in the final stretch of the regular season.
