Ulster’s Augustus ruled out for ‘a number of weeks’

Juarno Augustus, the back rower for Ulster, will miss “for a number of weeks” due to his ankle ligament injury sustained in the United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht in Galway.

Ulster claim the damage is “significant” and that Augustus left the field just before the 29-24 victory of his team at Dexcom Stadium.

The former Northampton Saints number eight was initially ruled out of Friday’s URC game against Munster in Belfast.

Ethan McIlroy has also been struggling with injuries, having missed a further period of time after sustaining a rib injury in Ballynahinch’s Senior Cup victory over Instonians.

All of Eric O’Sullivan’s hamstring, Matthew Dalton’s knee, Iain Henderson’s back, and Rob Herring’s knee have all resumed team training, and their selection options will be determined during training this week.

With a win at Affidea Stadium, Ulster have the chance to leapfrog their Irish interprovincial rivals in the table because they are currently fifth in the URC table, three points behind Munster.