Topping to miss Ulster's Celtic League opener

Eight-cap international wing James Topping is set to miss Ulster's opening Celtic League fixture against Edinburgh Rugby on Saturday due to a leg injury.

The 29-year-old ploughed into an advertising hoarding when attempting to help Mark McCall's side back into their 30-7 friendly loss to the Dragons at the weekend.

X-rays have shown that there were no fractures to a damaged ankle, but Topping is rated doubtful.

Flanker Neil McMillan is also in danger of missing the Murrayfield tie - a repeat of last year's Celtic Cup final - with the 23-year-old still suffering from a niggling knee injury.

New coach McCall is expected to name his first squad tomorrow, and could do without the absence of his internationals David Humphreys, Simon Best, Tyrone Howe and summer signing Kevin Maggs, who are at present halfway through the IRFU's 10-week conditioning period.

Edinburgh, who finished eight places behind Ulster (2nd) in last season's League, ended their pre-season last weekend with a 47-17 loss at Northampton.