Ulster must navigate the latter stages of the season without breakout Six Nations wing Rob Baloucoune because of an elbow injury.
Baloucoune, who scored three tries in four Six Nations matches this year, sustained the injury in Ireland’s Triple Crown-sealing win over Scotland last weekend.
Ulster have confirmed that the 28-year-old will undergo surgery and is expected to be sidelined for around three months.
Baloucoune was recalled to the Ireland squad after starring for Ulster in the first half of the season and marked his first cap since 2022 with a try-scoring display in the win over Italy.
The Enniskillen native also scored in Ireland’s record away win over England before notching an important try to help see off Scotland in last week’s 43-21 victory in Dublin.
Baloucoune’s displays attracted praise from Ireland head coach Andy Farrell and earned him the Six Nations ‘Rising Player’ award.