Humphreys an injury worry for Ulster’s opener

ULSTER fly-half David Humphreys is doubtful for Saturday’s Magner’s League opener against Llanelli Scarlets at Ravenhill.

Humphreys trooped off with a shoulder injury at half-time during Ulster’s 26-14 win over Earth Titans last Friday. Although it was originally thought that it was simple bruising, coach Mark McCall is concerned that he might lose another of his key players.

“David’s injury is more worrying than initially thought. At least we have until Saturday which will give us a little more time,” said McCall.

“It is naturally a bit frustrating. We had nine of our starting team sitting in the committee box watching last week’s match.

“Five of them have not played since the game against the Ospreys last season.”

Stand-in skipper Justin Harrison is also suffering from a facial injury while prop Justin Fitzpatrick is suffering from a painful elbow injury. However, both are expected to take their place in the starting line-up.

On the plus side for McCall, who is without his six international players for the first four weeks of the season, is that Matt McCullough and Nigel Brady look ready to resume playing. McCullough has received the clinical all clear to play following his horrific car accident in Canada during the summer.

Brady, meanwhile, hopes to get the thumbs-up from his specialist relating to a back injury which has curtailed his preseason training.

The other bonus is that Roger Wilson is available for selection again after serving a three-match suspension he received following a red card playing against the New Zealand Maori during the Ireland A tour to north America.

Meanwhile, Connacht Rugby has received a timely boost ahead of the new season with Aer Arann coming on board as an associate sponsor of the side.

Garry Cullen, Managing Director of Aer Arann, said the company was delighted to become a Connacht sponsor. The company will join main sponsors Bank of Ireland, who recently announced a new two-year extension to their sponsorship, and associate sponsors Day’s Hotel, as the primary backers of Connacht Rugby for the new season.

Connacht open their Magners League campaign away to Borders on September 3 and will then have seven home matches on the trot, including their opening game of the European Challenge Cup against Harlequins.