Baloucoune set to return from injury for Ulster

Robert Baloucoune is available for Ulster for their Saturday meeting with the Bulls

Ulster wing Robert Baloucoune has been passed fit and is available for selection for the province's United Rugby Championship encounter with the Bulls at the Affidea Stadium on Saturday (19:45 BST).

Baloucoune suffered an injury-ravaged 2024-25 campaign as he made just two appearances for Ulster.

He was ruled out of the opening URC match of the new season against the Dragons with an ankle injury but returned to action playing for Ballynahinch in an All-Ireland League game on Saturday.

Meanwhile Richie Murphy's side have received a further boost with the news that prop Eric O'Sullivan has also returned to training after a knee injury.

Backs Michael Lowry (abdominal strain) and Jacob Stockdale (foot) are injury concerns for Saturday's game in Belfast and their fitness will be monitored during the week.

Prop Callum Reid is expected to be available for the game away to the Sharks on 18 October after concussion.

Ben Moxham, Lorcan McLoughlin and Ethan McIlroy are expected to be sidelined until December, with James McNabney's anticipated return date from a knee injury as yet unknown.

Ulster defeated Dragons at home in their opening fixture while their scheduled second game of the season away to Edinburgh was postponed in light of Storm Amy.

The Bulls have started the season positively, securing home wins over the Ospreys and defending champions Leinster.