Ulster coach Richie Murphy says Iain Henderson, Sean Reffell and Ethan McIlroy will all be available for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship game against Cardiff after missing the home win over Ospreys.
Ireland lock Henderson was concussed after a challenge by Connacht’s Dave Heffernan in Ulster’s win over their fellow Irish province on 12 October.
Flanker Reffell and back McIlroy sustained ankle knocks in the same game which forced them out of the Ospreys contest.
“Sean Reffell, Ethan and Hendy are all coming back to fitness. They will all be available for selection this week,” said Ulster coach Murphy.
Hookers Rob Herring and Tom Stewart are nearing a return to fitness but will not be considered for this week’s game which means James McCormick, who started last weekend, and John Andrew will be in contention for the number two jersey.
After the opening five rounds of fixtures, Ulster sit fifth in the table, three points ahead of the ninth-placed Welsh club.
“It’s a very important game for us. Four wins out of the first six matches would be quite satisfying. Three wins would be just sort of a pass,” said Murphy.
