A perennial problem for Irish rugby is once again rearing its ugly head.
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 line-up doesn't bode well for Ireland's burgeoning injury crisis.
South Africa loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff has played his last game for Ulster, after the United Rugby Championship club confirmed he picked up a season-ending knee injury against ASM Clermont Auvergne in the Challenge Cup.
Stephen Ferris has expressed disappointment over Steven Kitshoff's performance at Ulster after an underwhelming six months with the Irish province.
Ulster will be boosted on Friday by the return of some of their World Cup players for their clash against United Rugby Championship winners Munster at the Kingspan Stadium.
Former Worcester Warriors chief executive Jim O’Toole has announced he has submitted a bid “to ensure the long-term sustainability” of the club.
An independent EPCR disciplinary hearing has banned prop Tom O'Toole for three matches and issued a warning to full-back Michael Lowry following this month's Heineken Champions Cup elimination for Ulster at the hands of Toulouse.