Blow for Ulster as Augustus ruled out 'for weeks' with ankle injury

Juarno Augustus of Ulster leaves the pitch on the medical buggy after sustaining an injury. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Ulster have been dealt a blow to their preparations for Friday night’s URC home derby with Munster after Juarno Augustus was ruled out with a significant ankle injury.

South African No.8 Augustus has made a big impact since his summer move from Northampton Saints, but Ulster on Tuesday said he will be sidelined for a number of weeks following the ankle ligament he sustained in the province’s URC victory at derby rivals Connacht last Saturday.

Head coach Richie Murphy will also have to plan without back-three player Ethan McIlroy, who picked up a rib injury on club duty for Ballynahinch in their Bank of Ireland Senior Cup Final victory over Instonians. 

There are also decisions to be made on club captain Iain Henderson (back), veteran hooker Rob Herring (knee), prop Eric O'Sullivan (hamstring) and lock Matthew Dalton (knee). 

The quartet have all resumed team training and their availability for selection will be assessed through training this week, the province said.

Ulster are set to announce their teams for the Affidea Stadium clash on Thursday at noon, as are Munster, with the visitors monitoring wing Calvin Nash’s availability following an illness which forced his withdrawal from last Saturday’s starting line-up against Leinster.

Former Ireland Under-20 No.8 Brian Gleeson could also make his comeback following an 11-week absence following surgery on a fractured elbow he injured in the victory over Leinster at Croke Park on October 18. 

The 21-year-old returned to training on Monday, with assistant coach Denis Leamy confirming Gleeson was available subject to a successful training week.