Ulster could be without both Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff and captain Iain Henderson for their massive Challenge Cup Quarter-Final against Clermont Auvergne on Saturday.
The loosehead injured his ankle in last weekend’s victory over Montpellier, which booked their return trip to France this weekend, while Henderson hurt his foot.
Despite head coach Richie Murphy assuring after the win at the GGL Stadium that Henderson would be “fine”, he has been listed on the province’s weekly update as needing to be monitored for his selection in Clermont.
Should Kitshoff prove unavailable, it could be a first start at loosehead for Ireland international Tom O’Toole, who has intimated he would be keen on switching sides, with Academy tighthead Scott Wilson in line for a promotion to the starting line-up as well.
There has been good news for Ulster, though, as Jacob Stockdale (illness) and Tom Stewart (unspecified) have recovered from the ailments that saw them withdraw late from the game against Montpellier.
Also available is Michael Lowry, who suffered a concussion against the Stormers two weeks ago but has passed the tests required.
Murphy will still have to contend without props Marty Moore and Callum Reid, lock Kieran Treadwell and utility back Ben Moxham, as well as fly-half Billy Burns, which could mean a third straight start for Nathan Doak in the ten jersey.
