Ulster's McCloskey and Ward out of Connacht trip

Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey and wing Zac Ward have been ruled out of their United Rugby Championship game against Irish rivals Connacht on Saturday.

McCloskey picked up a hamstring injury whilst Ward sustained an ankle issue in their 22-19 home defeat by Munster last weekend.

Ulster said on Monday that both players "will have scans to ascertain the extent of their respective injuries".

They join Stewart Moore on the treatment table as he remains out with a thigh problem.

However, there was some good news for Richie Murphy as the province's long injury list seems to be easing.

Ben Carson, Ethan McIlroy, Jake Flannery and Nathan Doak, as well as Irish internationals Cormac Izuchukwu, Nick Timoney and Iain Henderson have all resumed team training following their recent injuries.

Ulster said that "their fitness for selection this week will be monitored through training".

Murphy's side have lost their past five games and have just three wins from their 10 fixtures this season.

They sit 11th in the URC table ahead of the Connacht game in Galway as they seek a first win since October.