Cooney ruled out of Ulster's Toulouse trip

John Cooney is ruled out by a hamstring problem

Ulster scrum-half John Cooney has been ruled out of the team's opening Investec Champions Cup game at holders Toulouse on Sunday (15:15 GMT).

The 34-year-old was forced off during last week's loss to Leinster in Belfast with a hamstring injury, which head coach Richie Murphy says "is not as bad as first feared".

Wing Ben Moxham is set for an extended spell on the sidelines. The 23-year-old was also injured in the Leinster game and will see a knee surgeon this week.

However, Murphy confirmed Werner Kok has been passed fit for the Toulouse game while, in an injury bulletin released earlier on Tuesday, Ulster said they hoped Zac Ward will return to training in time to make the game following concussion.

The club are short of fit wingers at the moment. Jacob Stockdale suffered a "significant" hamstring injury on Ireland duty last month, Robert Baloucoune is yet to play this season, and Aaron Sexton has departed to seek a career in the NFL.

On Stockdale, Murphy said: "He will miss a good number of weeks. It's not clarified how long that will be but weren't expecting to see him anytime soon."

Ulster confirmed their players who were involved in Ireland duty during the November Tests are available for selection.

Richie Murphy's side will continue their European campaign after the Toulouse trip with games against Bordeaux, Leicester and Exeter.

Ulster lost 48-24 to Toulouse in Belfast when the sides met in last season's Champions Cup.