Ulster injury crisis: 12 unavailable for Munster clash - includes Wallabies prop Angus Bell

The Performance Medicine Team confirmed that no fewer than six players picked up injuries in Friday’s loss to Leinster, further stretching an already depleted squad. The spotlighted injury is Wallabies loose-head Angus Bell (foot), yet the list also prop includes Scott Wilson (ankle), Ireland front rower Tom O’Toole (hand), centre James Hume (neck), scrum hjalf Jude Postlethwaite (hand) and back row Bryn Ward (shoulder), who have all been ruled out of the trip to Limerick.

They join an extensive existing injury list that continues to pile pressure on selection options in Belfast, with multiple Ireland internationals sidelined from the squad. Back row forwards Nick Timoney (hip), and James McNabney (knee), hooker Rob Herring (calf), wing Robert Baloucoune (elbow), prop Rory McGuire (shoulder) and centre Stewart Moore (knee) are all still unavailable.

There is some positive news, however, with versatile back-line operator Michael Lowry returning to team training this week. His availability will be assessed ahead of the Munster clash as Ulster attempt to stabilise a campaign disrupted by fitness setbacks.