Ulster have been handed an injury boost ahead of the Challenge Cup semi-final against Exeter Chiefs this weekend.
Ulster played a heavily rotated side as they suffered a disappointing interpro defeat to Munster. They lost 41-14 despite taking a mb early lead.
Ulster injury update- the bad
Ulster in their squad update, revealed that there had been three injuries in the defeat to Munster. Callum Reid and Ben Carson will be unavailable for selection against Exeter, while Eric O’Sullivan will be monitored throughout the week.
Ulster injury update- the good
Tom O’Toole, Nick Timoney and Jude Postlethwaite are all back in full training. These three are massive positives in areas that the Ulster squad currently feel light in. O’Toole’s versatility on both sides of the scrum could be key throughout the game, while Timoney can add an international standard to the back row. Postlethwaite can slot into 13, where Ulster have had to trial players out of position there in recent weeks.
Angus Bell, Bryn Ward and James Hume are all taking part in some training and may be available for Saturday. Each one of these three that are fit can add extra quality and depth to the team.
Ulster’s season at stake
Ulster looked to prioritise this game when they rested the senior team against Munster. They haven’t won a trophy since 2006, when they won the then Celtic League. David Humphreys was a key member of the squad then; his son is in the squad now.
A trophy for Ulster would mean a lot, but the loss to Munster also put them in a bit of trouble in the league. They now sit eighth with two games to go. They have two home fixtures to finish the season, but both come against the top two teams. A win against either Glasgow or the Stormers could be crucial for booking a place in the top eight, which would get them into the playoffs and book a space in the Champions Cup next season.
