Hume and Izuchukwu set to return to Ulster squad

On Saturday (17:30 GMT), Cormac Izuchukwu and James Hume will play in Ulster’s United Rugby Championship game against Connacht at Dexcom Stadium.

The URC game features Richie Murphy’s side coming in after consecutive defeats against Cardiff and Leinster, making it their second of three games against Irish provinces.

Izuchukwu, an Ireland lock, hasn’t played since early October, and he’s back in the squad along with Hume, who scored a try in the Challenge Cup match against Cardiff but was sidelined for the interprovincial derby.

Rob Baloucoune (shoulder) and Stewart Moore (wrist) both have calf issues, which makes them doubtful.

Charlie Irvine, who was injured in a calf match against Leinster, who is currently the URC champion, has been disabled.

However, Ulster head coach Richie Murphy stated that his side’s injury situation is “reasonably good” despite the absence of several players.

Murphy told BBC Sport NI that “injuries are manageable from the weekend.”

“We’ve had a few long-term ones that haven’t changed, but from the weekend’s game, we’ve come out pretty well.”

After falling 48-28 to Dragons in their previous game, Connacht will be looking to reclaim their winning ways.

The home team won their previous home game in the URC, losing four of their previous six games.

Murphy continued, “Connacht are in a tough place.”