Ulster\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
The South African has been one of Ulster\u2019s star players since joining the Irish province from PREM Rugby outfit Northampton Saints ahead of the 2025\/26 season.<\/p>\n
However, the 28-year-old was forced off the field in the second half of Ulster<\/a>\u2018s 29-24 triumph over Connacht in their URC<\/a> derby at the Dexcom Stadium in Galway last Saturday.<\/p>\n Forced off due to an ankle injury<\/p>\n Augustus<\/a> sustained ankle ligament damage and Ulster confirmed he will be sidelined for at least couple of weeks.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s going to see someone about it on Friday,\u201d Ulster head coach Richie Murphy told the BBC<\/a>. \u201cWe\u2019re not sure exactly on the timeline, but yeah we won\u2019t be seeing him over the next couple of weeks.<\/p>\n \u201cIt gives him an opportunity then to retrain himself and get himself nice and fit and come back fighting bigger and stronger hopefully.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Ex-Irish ref boss slams \u2018inexcusable\u2019 World Rugby for scrum \u2018shambles\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Ulster quartet also doubtful for Munster clash<\/p>\n Ulster club captain and lock Iain Henderson (back), experienced hooker Rob Herring (knee), Eric O\u2019Sullivan (hamstring) and another second-rower Matthew Dalton (knee) are also doubtful for the Munster encounter.<\/p>\n According to a statement on Ulster\u2019s website, the aforementioned players have all resumed team training and their availability for selection will be assessed through training this week.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Munster are monitoring winger Calvin Nash\u2019s availability for their clash with Ulster after an illness forced his withdrawal from the province\u2019s starting line-up ahead of last Saturday\u2019s clash against Leinster at Thomond Park.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list<\/a> for world-class coverage you can trust.<\/p>\n