United Rugby Championship: Cuthbert, Tipuric and Smith return to boost Ospreys

Justin Tipuric has been out of action since the derby against Dragons on 18 November

Ospreys have Alex Cuthbert, Justin Tipuric and Nicky Smith available for Sunday's United Rugby Championship match against Ulster.

Cuthbert has not played since Wales' 2023 Six Nations defeat against Scotland.

Tipuric returns after breaking his thumb against Dragons, while Smith has recovered from the shoulder injury he picked out in Montpellier.

Morgan Morris, Rhys Davies and Owen Williams remain injured.

But Ospreys head coach Toby Booth is hopeful the trio will be fit for the trip to Edinburgh on 1 March.

"Having players back is obviously important especially with Owen Watkin, Adam Beard and George North not being around [on international duty]," Booth said.

"The pinch points are the same for us around certain positions but we'll make do."

Ospreys are further boosted by having three players available who were signed this week on short-term loan deals from South African side Cheetahs.

Centre, Evardi Boshoff and loose forwards Jeandre Rudolph and Victor Sekekete have settled in at the Swansea-based region and are up for selection.

"I don't think they'll all necessarily feature but to get some fresh blood in and fresh energy is always great and they're great lads," added Booth.

"The weather is a little different for them which has been a bit of an eye opener, but we're excited to have them and they're contributing to their time here and there will be positives on both sides."

Ospreys return to league action for the first time since their New Year's day win against Cardiff and are currently eighth in the table having won five from their nine league games so far this season.

Only three points separate them from Ulster who are fifth and Booth is aware of the importance of the fixture with his side aiming for a top eight finish and the end of season play-offs.

"We know that winning at home is always going to be a good basis for any campaign and we're pleased that we've managed to win a few away from home as well," said Booth.

"We're looking to continue our momentum, but we know that any opposition is tough at any time of the year.

"You can see that in the closeness in the table, so we'll need to be good and hope that they're not."