Ulster boosted by return of injured trio ahead of Cardiff clash, including Ireland international
Iain Henderson is the headline returnee for Ulster this weekend.
Ulster head coach Richie Murphy has confirmed Ireland international Iain Henderson is back available for his side’s clash with Cardiff this weekend, following a brief spell on the sidelines.
The towering lock missed Ulster’s 36-12 win over Ospreys last weekend through concussion and is one of three players in line for a return to Murphy’s squad this weekend.
Ulster trio expected back for Cardiff clash
Speaking to the BBC ahead of the trip to the Welsh capital, Murphy confirmed Henderson, back-rower Sean Reffell and fullback Ethan McIlroy were all available for selection.
“Sean Reffell, Ethan and Hendy are all coming back to fitness,” said Murphy. “They will all be available for selection this week.”
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The trio have all been mainstays in the Ulster squad across their opening five matches in the URC. Henderson has made four appearances thus far, including three starts; with McIlroy and Reffell also starting in all three of their appearances to date.
The return of the three men is also a much-welcomed boost for boss Murphy, with a club statement previously detailing that the trio were all being monitored throughout the week in the build-up to the game.
It’s also positive news for Ireland boss Andy Farrell, with the lock a potential option for his squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series.
“Quite satisfying”
Despite the heavy competition across the URC this season, Ulster have made a fine start to the campaign. Murphy’s side currently sit fifth in the table, with three wins from their opening five games. Furthermore, a win against Cardiff could take them up as high as second if other results go their way.
Commenting on Ulster’s early season form, Murphy challenged his side to make it four wins from six, and stated this would be a ‘satisfying’ record heading into the international break.
“It’s a very important game for us,” he said.
“Four wins out of the first six matches would be quite satisfying, and three wins would be just a pass.”
On the flip side, Cardiff could also climb above Ulster with a win, as the Welsh side look to climb into the play-off spots ahead of the international break.
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