News round-up: Ulster's Celtic League aspirations received a blow this afternoon with the news that centre Paul Seinmetz has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
The former All Black, who had only just returned from injury for the win over Cardiff on Friday, sustained a broken cheekbone in a clash with Maama Molitika.
Ulster, who trail Leinster by four points but have a game in hand, must now contend without Steinmetz for Friday night's meeting with the Borders at Ravenhill and the remaining fixtures at Llanelli and the Ospreys.
Meanwhile, Peter Stringer is back in the starting line-up for Munster's match at Llanelli tomorrow night. The Irish international was rested for last Friday's defeat at the Ospreys but will partner Jeremy Manning in the half backs as Ronan O'Gara drops out of the match 22.
Trevor Hogan comes into the second-row in place of the injured Paul O'Connell while John O'Sullivan deputises for Anthony Foley at number eight.
Elsewhere, former Ireland defensive coach Mike Ford has been linked with a move to Wales to work under new boss Gareth Jenkins.
Ford, who left Eddie O'Sullivan's Irish set-up to work full-time at Saracens at the start of the season, is also touted for the vacant role with England and will meet his employers at the Premiership club later this week to discuss his future.
Munster (v Llanelli): D Hurley; A Horgan, T O'Leary, M Lawlor, I Dowling; J Manning, P Stringer; E McGovern, P Humphreys, F Pucciariello; T Hogan, M O'Driscoll; D Leamy, S Keogh, J O'Sullivan. Replacements: D Varley, T Ryan, D O'Callaghan, A Quinlan, M Prendergast, P Burke, M Mullins
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