Ulster Heineken Cup hopes dented by Ward injury

Ulster flanker Andy Ward will miss the province's opening two Heineken Cup Pool 6 fixtures following an elbow injury sustained in Saturday's Ravenhill loss to the Ospreys.

Following a scan, the 34-year-old was diagnosed with a severe tendon strain and soft tissue damage in his elbow, and will be out of action for up to six weeks.

New coach Mark McCall is already without experienced winger James Topping, who suffered a leg injury in a recent club game.

First-choice skipper Neil McMillan has also missed the last three games due to a knee injury.

Ward will definitely miss Ulster's Heineken home tie against Cardiff on 22 October, and the away clash with Gloucester on 30 October, and league fixtures against the Dragons, Glasgow and the upcoming derby against Munster.