Ulster's preparations for a pivotal United Rugby Championship showdown against Munster have been severely hampered by a mounting injury crisis, with six players ruled out following last week's defeat to Leinster.
The province suffered a significant blow in their 29-21 loss to Leinster, with Angus Bell (foot), Scott Wilson (ankle), Tom O'Toole (hand), James Hume (neck), Jude Postlethwaite (hand), and Bryn Ward (shoulder) all sustaining injuries that will sideline them for Saturday's trip to Thomond Park. This adds to an already extensive list of unavailable players, including Nick Timoney (hip), James McNabney (knee), Rob Herring (calf), Robert Baloucoune (elbow), Rory McGuire (shoulder), and Stewart Moore (knee).
Head coach Richie Murphy faces a major selection headache as his squad depth is tested ahead of this critical fixture.
In a rare piece of positive news, fullback Michael Lowry has returned to full training, with his availability for the Munster match to be assessed throughout the week. Ulster currently sit fifth in the URC standings, just one point above Munster, with only three regular-season rounds remaining before the playoffs.
Beyond the league campaign, Ulster also have a European Challenge Cup semi-final against Exeter Chiefs on May 2nd, as they continue their quest to end a two-decade trophy drought. The timing of this injury crisis could not be worse for a team with silverware ambitions on two fronts.