Ulster duo face anxious scan wait but big names set to return for Connacht clash

Ulster's Stuart McCloskey and Zac Ward are to have scans today to determine the extent of the injuries they suffered in last Friday night's defeat to Munster.

Both players were forced out of the action in the first half at Kingspan Stadium. Ireland centre McCloskey picked up a hamstring injury after Ward, who recently signed a three-year contract with the province after his exploits with the Ireland Sevens at the Paris Olympics, withdrew with an ankle issue.

Both backs are expected to miss Saturday's URC clash with Connacht at Dexcom Stadium but head coach Richie Murphy will be hoping that they won't be out for long as Ulster look to end a five-game losing streak.

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In a boost to Ulster's hopes in Galway, however, Ireland internationals Iain Henderson, Cormac Izuchukwu and Nick Timoney, plus Ben Carson, Ethan McIlroy, Jake Flannery and Nathan Doak have all resumed team training following their recent injuries.

Their fitness for selection this week will be monitored through training. Stewart Moore (thigh) remains on the current injured player list.

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