European Cup Team News and Fixtures

Ulster v Toulouse

Ulster's main concern ahead of Friday night's Heineken European Cup clash with Toulouse at Ravenhill centres on Ryan Constable. The former Australian international retired with a damaged ankle in last weekend's sensational 35-35 draw against the same opponents at Stade Les Septs Deniers.

His ankle is still swollen but Ulster manager Joe Miles confirmed that they would afford him every opportunity to recover for Friday's encounter. Flanker Andy Ward was injured in the same match but his bruised back is not likely to sideline him.

Paddy Johns, who missed last weekend's match with a trapped nerve in his neck, is expected to be fit in time and coach Harry Williams is likely to have to chose between the Irish International and Ballymena's Mark Blair to partner Gary Longwell in the second row. Replacement scrumhalf Stephen Bell has missed the last two matches with a calf problem but should be available for selection.

Leinster v Northampton

Leinster could be without scrumhalf Kevin Putt when they entertain Northampton at Donnybrook on Friday night. Despite several sessions of physiotherapy his calf strain is not improving as quickly as the Leinster management envisaged.

Brian O'Meara deputised at Franklin's Gardens, grabbing a fine drop goal, in the process.

Munster v Bath

There are no serious injury concerns to preoccupy Munster coach Declan Kidney ahead of Saturday's game against Bath at the Recreation Ground. The game boasts a 5.0pm kick-off and the match has been sold out for a number of weeks.

Connacht v Montferrand

Connacht host Montferrand at Ericsson Park, Athlone on Saturday in the European Shield and hope to have captain Mark McConnell available. He picked up a back strain in France. Junior Charlie, who missed that match with a rib problem, is expected to be available.

Fixtures

Thursday

Representative: Ulster Schools v Lancashire Schools, Ravenhill (2.30).

Ulster Senior League: Ballymnahinch v Bangor (7.30).

Friday

European Cup

Pool 1: Leinster v Northampton, Donnybrook (7.0); Edinburgh Reivers v Biarritz, Galashiels (7.0). Pool 3: Ulster v Toulouse, Ravenhill (7.15); Cardiff v Saracens, Cardiff (7.05).

Saturday

European Cup

Pool 4: Bath v Munster, Recreation Ground (5.0); Castres v Newport (7.30). Pool 2: Swansea v L'Aquilla, St Helen's (2.30). Pool 5: Colomiers v Gloucester, Stade Selery (3.15); Roma v Llanelli, tbc. Pool 6: Leicester v Pontypridd, Welford Road (7.35); Pau v Glasgow Caledonians, Stade de Hamaeu (7.30).

European Shield

Pool 2: Connacht v Montferrand, Ericsson Park (3.0).

Leinster Senior Cup (3.0): Suttonians v Wanderers, JJ McDowell Memorial Grounds; DLSP v Monkstown, Kilternan; Lansdowne v Bective Rangers, Lansdowne Road; Old Belvedere v Old Wesley, Anglesea Road.

Leinster Senior Club: Clontarf v Garryowen, Castle Avenue (3.0).

Ulster Senior League (2.30): Ballymena v Dungannon, Eaton Park; Portadown v Belfast Harlequins, Chambers Park; Ards v Banbridge, Hamilton Park.

Munster Senior Cup (2.30): Highfield v Midleton, Woodleigh; Waterpark v Thomond, Ballinakill.

Under-21 Interprovincial: Ulster v Leinster, Ravenhill (2.30); Exiles v Munster, Sunbury (2.30).

Youths' Interprovincial: Munster v Leinster, Thomond Park (3.0); Connacht v Ulster, Ericsson Park (1.0).

Munster Senior Club: Cork Constitution v Shannon, Temple Hill (12.30); Sunday's Well v Young Munster, Musgrave Park (2.0).

Sunday

European Cup

Pool 2: London Wasps v Stade Francais, Loftus Road (3.0).

Munster Senior Cup (2.30): Clanwilliam v UL Bohemian, Clanwilliam; Richmond v Nenagh Ormond, Richmond Park.

Connacht Senior Cup: Creggs v Connemara, The Green (3.0); UCG v Sligo, Dangan.

Connacht Senior League: Corinthians v Ballina, Corinthian Park (3.0).

Tuesday

Dudley Cup: UCC v Dublin University, Mardyke (3.0).