Ulster Rugby: Stuart McCloskey out ‘for several weeks’ with hamstring injury

Ulster center Stuart McCloskey looks certain to miss the European Challenge Cup final with Montpellier after a hamstring injury is expected to rule him out “for a couple of weeks”.

That’s what head coach Richie Murphy said after Friday’s dramatic draw with the Stormers McCloskey was a prime suspect After pulling his hamstring in the semi-final win over Exeter Chiefs for the final in Bilbao on 22 May.

But in a squad update ahead of Friday’s crucial United Rugby Championship game with Glasgow Warriors in Belfast, Ulster confirmed the 33-year-old is set for a spell on the sidelines.

Wing Jacob Stockdale is also a doubt for the European deciders after “successful surgery” on the fractured face he sustained in the win over Exeter when he was sent to the sin bin for a tackle on Emmanuel Fay-Waboso.

Back-row David McCann will miss the game against Glasgow with a knee injury and is also a concern for the Bilbao final.

Ulster are also waiting to hear if captain Ian Henderson will face a ban following a 20-minute red card for a croc roll on Stormers hooker Dion Fourie.

In better news for Murphy’s side, center James Hume and hooker Rob Herring are back in training after their respective neck and calf injuries and will be assessed ahead of the game.

Ulster currently hold the eighth and final play-off spot in the URC going into the final game of the regular season, which will also secure Champions Cup rugby for next season.

Glasgow top the table and a win in Belfast would ensure top spot.