Jacob Stockdale sidelined up to eight weeks following hamstring injury

Ulster winger Jacob Stockdale has been sidelined for up to eight weeks following a hamstring injury that he sustained during training leading to the new season.

The 22-year-old played a pivotal role in Ireland's tour of Australia in June and is expected to remain out of action until the end of September that will force him to miss at least the first two games.

Stockdale announced his arrival to the international stage with a terrific performance in Ireland's Six Nations Grand Slam triumph earlier this year where he scored seven tries and had a fantastic last season with Ulster where he crossed over 20 times.

The news was confirmed by a statement released from Ulster on their official Twitter handle.

“Jacob Stockdale suffered a grade 2 hamstring strain in training and is expected to return to play in 6-8 weeks,” read a statement on Ulster’s official Twitter account.

Apart from Stockdale, Louis Ludik, Luke Marshall and David Busby will also miss the initial stage of the tournament with injuries.

Ulster will take on Scarlets in the opening game of the Pro 14 season at Kingspan Stadium on 1st September.