Olding out for rest of season

Ulster have confirmed that Ireland’s talented utility back Stuart Olding will be out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.

The 20-year-old, who made his international debut against the US Eagles last June, was injured in the last play of the game in the Ulster Ravens — Connacht Eagles clash last Friday.

Following an MRI scan yesterday in Belfast, Ulster’s worst fears where realised when it was confirmed he had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament. He is expected to undergo surgery when the swelling subsides.

Olding made his debut for Ulster as a replacement against Leinster in December 2011. He scored his first try for Ulster against Glasgow in February 2013 and scored four in quick succession.

Last season he started on the fringes of the Ulster squad and by the end was touring North American with the Ireland team. He has played most of his rugby at fly-half, but is equally happy at centre and full-back.