Nick Williams has played last game for Ulster, says Les Kiss

Ulster’s wrecking ball No.8 Nick Williams, who will move to Cardiff next season, has played his last game for the province.

Williams, who has been a major go-forward force for Ulster this season will undergo surgery to repair a labral tear in his right shoulder. It was hoped that a rehabilitation programme would help him back to fitness for the final run-in, but the Ulster medical staff decided that surgery was the best option for the big Samoan’s future.

Williams’ absence will be a big blow to Director of Rugby Les Kiss, who will also be without Tommy Bowe for Saturday’s must-win clash at the Kingspan Stadium with Guinness Pro12 table toppers Leinster.