Ulster without seven players for Dragons opener
Injuries restricted Ireland international wing Robert Baloucoune to just two appearances last season
- Published
Ulster will be without seven injured players for Friday's United Rugby Championship season opener against the Dragons in Belfast (20:05 BST).
In a squad update issued on Wednesday, the club confirmed that Eric O'Sullivan, Ethan McIlroy, Ben Moxham and James McNabney are all unavailable because of knee injuries.
Robert Baloucoune (ankle), Lorcan McLoughlin (elbow) and David Shanahan (calf) are also ruled out.
South African number eight Juarno Augustus is in line to make his debut at Affidea Stadium after joining from Northampton Saints over the summer.
Tight-head prop Rory McGuire could also make his bow after arriving from Leinster.
Ulster have won their past eight games against the Dragons stretching back to a 32-32 draw in December 2017, while they have not lost to the Welsh side at home since 2008.
Both sides are coming off disappointing 2024-25 campaigns. Ulster finished 14th while the Dragons finished bottom of the 16-team league with just one win from 18 games.
Ulster won 34-30 when the sides met at Rodney Parade in March.