Ulster’s recent United Rugby Championship (URC) victory over Connacht proved to be costly as they have lost the services of number eight Juarno Augustus to injury.

The South African has been one of Ulster’s star players since joining the Irish province from PREM Rugby outfit Northampton Saints ahead of the 2025/26 season.

However, the 28-year-old was forced off the field in the second half of Ulster‘s 29-24 triumph over Connacht in their URC derby at the Dexcom Stadium in Galway last Saturday.

Forced off due to an ankle injury

Augustus sustained ankle ligament damage and Ulster confirmed he will be sidelined for at least couple of weeks.

“He’s going to see someone about it on Friday,” Ulster head coach Richie Murphy told the BBC. “We’re not sure exactly on the timeline, but yeah we won’t be seeing him over the next couple of weeks.

“It gives him an opportunity then to retrain himself and get himself nice and fit and come back fighting bigger and stronger hopefully.”

Ulster are currently in fifth position in the URC standings and will be back in action on Friday evening when they host second-placed Munster in another derby at the Affidea Stadium in Belfast.

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Apart from Augustus, Murphy will also have to prepare for that Munster encounter without back-three player Ethan McIlroy, who injured his rib while on duty for Ballynahinch in their Bank of Ireland Senior Cup Final win over Instonians.

Ulster quartet also doubtful for Munster clash

Ulster club captain and lock Iain Henderson (back), experienced hooker Rob Herring (knee), Eric O’Sullivan (hamstring) and another second-rower Matthew Dalton (knee) are also doubtful for the Munster encounter.

According to a statement on Ulster’s website, the aforementioned players have all resumed team training and their availability for selection will be assessed through training this week.

Meanwhile, Munster are monitoring winger Calvin Nash’s availability for their clash with Ulster after an illness forced his withdrawal from the province’s starting line-up ahead of last Saturday’s clash against Leinster at Thomond Park.

Ex-Ireland U20 number eight Brian Gleeson could also return to action for Munster after an 11-week stint on the sidelines due to surgery on a fractured elbow he injured in the victory over Leinster at Croke Park on October 18.

Gleeson returned to training on Monday, and Munster assistant coach Denis Leamy confirmed the 21-year-old was available subject to a successful training week.

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