Ulster receive shot in the arm as Ireland duo return for Bath clash

Ulster received a shot in the arm after it was confirmed that Ireland internationals Iain Henderson and Rob Herring have been ruled fit for Saturday’s Champions Cup opener against Bath at the Recreation Ground.

Utility forward Henderson was ruled out of Ulster’s United Rugby Championship (URC) loss to Edinburgh last weekend after injuring his hip, while hooker Herring has been sidelined for their last two matches due to a calf issue.

More players back from injury

Apart from the good news on Henderson and Herring, the Northern Irish province will also be boosted by the return of fly-half Jake Flannery and full-back Mike Lowry, who have recovered from groin and hip injuries respectively.

However, there is still concern over Will Addison’s availability as the utility back should still complete the return to play protocols for a concussion, while wing Ben Moxham will have a scan on a knee injury.

Ulster head into their Champions Cup opener in poor form after back-to-back losses to Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh which leaves them in seventh spot on the URC table.

After their narrow 27-24 home defeat against Edinburgh, head coach Dan McFarland criticised the way his side prepared for that game especially the way his players were performing at training.

According to forwards coach Roddy Grant that issue has been addressed.

“It’s something we’ll be focusing on this week. When you get errors in games, a lot of it can be helped by how you train,” he told RTE.

“If you train better, generally the output at the weekend as a whole is better.

“There were a lot of errors on Saturday so it’s a big focus for everyone, coaches, players, leaders really driving that this week, having a really good week of intense, accurate training.”

Meanwhile, this weekend’s opponents Bath Saturday’s opponents Bath have made an excellent start to their Premiership campaign and are currently in joint-top spot with Sale Sharks on the table.

Wary of Finn Russell

Bath have made some shrewd signings during the offseason and Grant said their Scotland fly-half Finn Russell is “one of the best 10s in the world”.

“It’s a very difficult position to play, and to be one of the best says a lot,” he added. “He can do some really incredible things.

“He’s really consistent in his performances. He’s used to playing in big games, he’s got the skill set, the variety of skills, passing game, kicking game.

“He’s a tough boy as well. He doesn’t shirk from contact, he gets stuck in. He’s got the full skill set. He’s a good leader; he drives teams well.

“We’re looking forward to it. To play at the top level, you’ll be against the best players.

“Bath have really good players so it’s easy enough for us in terms of motivation, getting up for it.”

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