Rugby

Ulster duo Ward and McCloskey doubts for Connacht trip after Munster derby loss

Wingman Ward and centre McCloskey both suffered injuries against their inter-pro rivals Munster

Ulster Rugby's Stuart McCloskey tackled by Munster's Jack Crowley and Alex Nankivell at Kingspan Stadium
Ulster Rugby's Stuart McCloskey tackled by fellow Irish international Jack Crowley and his Munster teammate Alex Nankivell at Kingspan Stadium. Picture by Brian Little

ULSTER could be without Stuart McCloskey and Zac Ward after the duo were ruled out of the post-Christmas trip to Galway to take on Connacht.

Stuart McCloskey (hamstring) and Zac Ward (ankle) were both injured in Friday night’s defeat to Munster.

Shortly before the game against Munster, Ward had signed a three-year extension with Ulster after a successful trial with his home province, following a switch of codes from sevens to XVs.

Ulster Rugby's Zac Ward off due to an injury against Munster at Kingspan Stadium
Ulster Rugby's Zac Ward off due to an injury against Munster at Kingspan Stadium. The winger recently signed a three-year deal with the Ulstermen. Picture by Brian Little

The Southerners came up to Belfast and stole a late 22-19 win from under the noses of the Ulstermen after Tom Farrell completed his hat-trick of tries in the closing seconds of the tie.

Stewart Moore is also on the injured list after suffering a setback in the province’s loss at Kingspan Stadium to Leinster.

Ireland’s Cormac Izuchukwu tackles Fiji’s Eroni Mawi
Recent Ireland debutant Cormac Izuchukwu has returned to full team training after a slight injury ahead of Ulster's trip to Connacht on Saturday

Ben Carson, Ethan McIlroy, Jake Flannery, Cormac Izuchukwu, Nick Timoney, Iain Henderson and Nathan Doak have come back to training following their recent injuries.

The fitness of those players will be assessed ahead of the game against Connacht at the Dexcom Stadium.

The Westerners come into this game having lost out to Leinster in their pre-Christmas derby at the Aviva Stadium, with the hosts coming out 20-12 winners to make it 10 from 10 in all competitions this season.