United Rugby Championship: Ulster hit by injury crisis ahead of Munster trip

Ulster continue to count the cost of Friday’s 29-21 defeat to Leinster in the United Rugby Championship [URC] With six players added to the injured list for Saturday’s trip to face Munster at Thomond Park [17:30 BST].

Angus Bell (foot), Scott Wilson (ankle), Tom O’Toole (hand), James Hume (neck), Jude Postlethwaite (hand) and Bryn Ward (shoulder) have been ruled out after sustaining injuries against Leo Cullen’s side.

They join a list of ineligible players that already includes Nick Timoney (hip), James McNaby (knee), Rob Herring (calf), Robert Baloconi (elbow), Rory McGuire (shoulder), and Stuart Moore (knee).

Ulster dropped to fifth in the URC standings after last week’s defeat, one point behind Munster as the season entered the final three rounds of matches before the qualifiers.

“Not winning at home was a big moment for us, but then add the players who have been bruised,” Ulster coach Richie Murphy told BBC Sport.

“There will be a bit of pressure on our squad depth this week, but it’s also exciting as everyone wants to get their hands on what’s next.

“It’s going to be interesting, it’s not going to be easy, but there’s an exciting couple of weeks coming.”

Murphy’s side are eyeing a European Challenge Cup semi-final at home to Exeter Chiefs on Saturday, May 2 as they bid to end their 20-year wait for silverware, and although there is no “timetable” they feel some have a “really good chance of playing next week”.

One player who could be involved this week is Michael Lowry who has returned to full training and his availability for the trip to Limerick will be assessed throughout the week.

Murphy continued: “Micky has had a very difficult career over the last period and at the start of the season we played some of our best rugby with him in the team.”

“He played for Ireland A against Spain and picked up an injury. Since that moment, he’s been struggling to find fitness, but he’s been on the move in training today and is a great addition to our squad for the next few weeks.”