Mark McCall received a serious setback to hopes of a speedy return to action when told that he faces another month, at the very least, on the sidelines. The recommendation was made in consultation with a neuro surgeon in Belfast yesterday.
McCall complained of a stiff neck before the Connacht game and despite playing that match he suffered further damage in a heavy fall against Glasgow Caledonians, ruling him out of his province's recent victory over Munster. The Ulster captain confirmed: "I went to see the surgeon and he advised me to rest the injury for a month and then return to see him.
"Given that it is a neck problem I can understand the need for caution, although obviously I am finding it hugely frustrating. The neck is a little sore and I have lost a little power in my left arm but it is nothing too discomforting. It's only September 9th so it's the last thing I need."
Despite victory in his absence, Ulster will miss the influential Dungannon centre as they prepare for tomorrow night's game against Leinster at Ravenhill. Coach Harry Williams will delay naming his team until the morning of the match, deigning only to release a squad later today.
Opponents Leinster are similarly reticent although they did clarify that injuries to Denis Hickie, Victor Costello, Trevor Brennan, Martin Ridge and Derek Hegarty will not prevent them from taking part. Their major concerns are scrum-half David O'Mahony and flanker Pat Ward.
What is apparent from the squad that they released is the demotion of right wing John McWeeney. The St Mary's College star lacks the versatility of several other members of the squad and has therefore suffered. Manager Jim Glennon admitted: "Girvan Dempsey was genuinely rested last weekend and not asked to travel to Scotland but he was always going to be restored for the Ulster match.
"It was therefore a case of a straight fight between Denis Hickie and John McWeeney and John has not be playing as well as he might. In terms of the bench we felt that Gordon D'Arcy and Brian Carey could cover a greater variety of options." Leinster will announce their team tomorrow.
If Ulster and Leinster were playing their cards close to their chests then Munster offered a colourful contrast content to discard half the pack. Des Clohessy, Frankie Sheahan, Jerry Murray and David Wallace have all been dropped for their clash with Connacht at Dooradoyle on Saturday.
Coach Declan Kidney has turned to Shannon's all conquering pack restoring John Hayes and Mark McDermott to the front row and rewarding the successful rehabilitation of the previously injured Alan Quinlan and Eddie Halvey. There remains a fitness concern regarding Shane Leahy and if he fails a test then the promising Donnacha O'Callaghan will retain his place.
Cork Constitution halfbacks Brian O'Meara and Ronan O'Gara drop to the bench. Garryowen's Tom Tierney comes in at scrum-half with Killian Keane moving from centre to outhalf. Brian Walsh will partner Michael Lynch in midfield. Connacht are expected to announce their team today.
Meanwhile, the IRFU's most recent brainchild, the Academy, will undertake a historic venture when they will be represented on the pitch in taking on a touring Canada Under-20 team at Donnybrook on Sunday week. The IRFU Academy, originally known as the Foundation, was not devised as a playing organ but rather a centre for the development of excellence in young players.
The squad will largely adhere to the Under-20 age group.
