Cooney and Herring set to miss Ulster's URC opener

Scrum-half John Cooney has picked up a hamstring injury

Ulster scrum-half John Cooney and hooker Rob Herring will miss Saturday's United Rugby Championship opener at home to holders Glasgow.

Head coach Richie Murphy said Cooney, 34, picked up a hamstring injury and will be out for a "short time".

"He's probably not going to play this week," Murphy said.

"We've got a reasonably good fresh squad and we're ready to go".

Herring is ruled out of the game with a calf issue, while fellow hooker Tom Stewart is sidelined with an ankle injury.

Backs James Hume, Robert Baloucoune and Jake Flannery also miss out through injury.

Back row Reuben Crothers (knee) and wings Aaron Sexton (hamstring) and Zac Ward (groin) picked up injuries in Ulster's pre-season defeat by Exeter and will be monitored ahead of the URC opener in Belfast.

Captain Iain Henderson is available for selection after a toe injury forced him to miss Ireland's summer tour of South Africa.

"He brings so much experience and he is such a good guy within the group," Murphy added on Henderson.

Henderson added: "I feel like I am in great shape to come back in and play.

"It's going to be a difficult one starting against the champions. We're looking to get our season off to a good start."