Ulster face selection crisis ahead of inter-province derby

Izuchukwu, who represents Ireland, was taken off for a head injury assessment following a dangerous aerial challenge from Edinburgh replacement hooker Harri Morris, an incident that resulted in a red card.

The 26-year-old had only recently returned from a previous concussion picked up in training shortly after making his Six Nations debut against Italy.

Hume’s involvement ended early in the second half at the Hive Stadium, while Shanahan lasted just two minutes before being forced off. All three players will now go through the standard return-to-play protocols.

The physical nature of that victory, which lifted Richie Murphy’s side to third place in the United Rugby Championship, has also left Ulster short in other areas.

Jude Postlethwaite has been ruled out for several weeks after fracturing his hand and will require surgery, while Jake Flannery is unavailable due to a shoulder injury. Lock Charlie Irvine is also being assessed after picking up a lower-leg soft tissue issue.

There is some encouragement for Ulster, though, with Ireland internationals Tom O’Toole, Tom Stewart, Nathan Doak and Jacob Stockdale all back in contention following the Six Nations.

However, Stuart McCloskey, Rob Baloucoune and Nick Timoney will not feature, having recently been involved in Ireland’s Triple Crown success under Andy Farrell.