Ulster have been dealt a major blow with confirmation that wing Rob Baloucoune could miss the rest of the season due to an elbow injury.

The 28-year-old, who claimed the BKT Rising Star award in the Guinness Six Nations on Saturday, is set to miss up to three months after surgery.

Baloucoune, who has been hampered by injury since making his Test debut in 2021, had been enjoying a breakthrough campaign, and starred in Ireland’s Six Nations, scoring three tries in four games, bringing him to 11 tries in 12 in all competitions this season.

The Enniskillen native departed Ireland’s 43-21 win against Scotland last week with 15 minutes remaining, and the province have now confirmed he suffered an elbow injury on international duty, which will see him miss up to three months after surgery.

It leaves the pacy winger with a slim chance of featuring again this season for the province, with the URC final set to take place on Saturday, 20 June, if Ulster get there.

However, Baloucoune should still be available for selection for Ireland on their summer trip to Australia and New Zealand, if required. Andy Farrell’s side face the Wallabies in their opening Nations Championship clash on Saturday, 4 July, before staying in Australia to take on Japan a week later, and they finish their summer tour against the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday, 18 July.

It’s a further blow to Ulster head coach Richie Murphy though, who has been hit with a number of injuries to his backline this week, ahead of a crucial Interpro against Connacht.

James Hume and David Shanahan both sustained concussions in last week’s win against Edinburgh and are following return to play protocols, while centre Jude Postlethwaite and out-half Jake Flannery will be sidelined for a number of weeks with respective hand and shoulder injuries.

The province could also be without versatile Irish international forward Cormac Izuchukwu, who is also following return to play protocols for concussion, while Harry Sheridan will miss at least two games due to suspension.

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