Ulster scrum-half John Cooney has signed a two-year deal with French Pro D2 outfit Brive ahead of next season.
Has an ageing squad been exposed by Les Bleus, or was Saturday's French thrashing merely a blip for the venerated green machine?
The Chiefs, who made 12 changes, collapsed to their fourth defeat in as many outings in Europe with Zack Wimbush’s late try registering a bonus point and their only match point in Pool One.
A hat-trick of tries from Tom Farrell saw Munster win a scrappy opening Irish interprovincial of the festive season 22-19 over Ulster at the Kingspan Stadium.
Ulster Rugby have been dealt a major blow ahead of their upcoming Investec Champions Cup clash against Bordeaux Bègles, with the confirmation that wing Ben Moxham will miss the remainder of the season due to an ACL injury.
United Rugby Championship leaders Leinster made it seven wins from seven as a late try from James Culhane allowed them to defeat Ulster 27-20.
Ulster head coach Richie Murphy has named his team for the BKT United Rugby Championship Round 6 match against Cardiff on Saturday - with no sign of hooker Rob Herring in the squad.
.Ulster made it consecutive home bonus-point victories in the United Rugby Championship with a 36-12 win over Ospreys.
