Ulster suffer double injury blow ahead of game against Connacht

Ulster will be without the services of Rob Herring and Billy Burns for the Friday's United Rugby Championship game against Connacht due to injuries.

Herring suffered a rib injury during the second round of the Heineken Champions Cup game against La Rochelle which his side went on to lose 29-36.

Burns sustained a concussion during the same game and will undergo return to play protocols.

Earlier, James Hume and Tom O'Toole are also sidelined with injuries while Rob Baloucoune, Jacob Stockdale and Ian Madigan are unavailable for selection.

Meanwhile, EPCR said they are investigating the incident that saw the fixture between Ulster and La Rochelle moved from Kingspan Stadium to Aviva Stadium following a pitch inspection.

"EPCR can confirm that an investigation is being conducted to ascertain the facts surrounding the relocation of last Saturday's Heineken Champions Cup, Round 2 fixture between Ulster Rugby and Stade Rochelais," a statement said.

"The investigation is proceeding under the terms of the 2022/23 EPCR Disciplinary Rules, and Ulster Rugby have been requested to co-operate fully."