Ulster’s Iain Henderson set to be out for six months

Iain Henderson is not expected to play for Ireland again this season. In what has been described as a similar injury to Paul O'Connell's, the 23-year-old lock cum flanker sustained a "significant hamstring tear (left leg)" during Friday's victory over Edinburgh. Henderson could be out of action for six months.

“He will be reviewed by a surgeon and his ongoing management and prognosis will be clearer after this consultation has taken place,” read an Ulster statement.

Entirely grim

The situation looks grim for director of rugby Les Kiss, with Toulouse coming to Belfast on Friday night, and the European campaign on the line after a heavy defeat to Saracens, as Dan Tuohy has a fractured right ankle.

“He will be reviewed by a surgeon tomorrow (Tuesday) to ascertain whether surgery is required.”

Both players had just returned from long-term injuries. Kiss will now choose between Lewis Stevenson and Alan O’Connor to partner Franco van der Merwe in the secondrow.

Kiss is expected to seek permission to sign a new lock on a short-term contract.

It gets worse with Ulster Rugby adding: “Peter (Nelson) dislocated his left midfoot in the win over Edinburgh. It was relocated in the medical room at Kingspan Stadium and he was admitted into the Ulster Independent Clinic over night on Friday. He is now at home and will have scheduled surgery when the swelling subsides.”

It was also confirmed that Ireland centre Darren Cave will play no part in the home and away Toulouse fixtures after damaging his AC joint in his right shoulder.