This time last year Ulster used the back-to-back Champions Cup games against the Scarlets as the launchpad for the rest of the season.

He could not have timed his Ulster return any better, but even Luke Marshall is pleasantly surprised by how well he’s played since returning from long-term injury.

Ulster believe Jacob Stockdale has the mental strength to get over Saturday’s fumble and say he’s eager to throw himself straight back into PRO14 action this weekend to shake off his Champions Cup blues.

Leicester boss Geordan Murphy has described Irish rugby’s provincial set-up as brilliant saying there is a “conveyor belt” of talent to choose from.

Wallace High School is not a name which has yet been engraved as winning rugby’s second oldest trophy.