Del Fave sidelined with knee injury

Ulster and Italy have received a blow to their early season aspirations with the news that 25-year-old second row Carlo del Fave has been sidelined with a knee injury.

The South African born international forward has returned to Belfast to have treatment for his problem.

Ulster are hopeful he will be fit for the start of the Magners League.

Mark McCall's side begin their campaign at home to the Ospreys on September 21, following two pre-season friendlies against Leeds Carnegie (August 31) and Gloucester (September 8).