Ulster Rugby: Robert Baloocaun could play in Challenge Cup final

Ireland wing Robert Baloocaun is in contention to play for Ulster in Friday’s Challenge Cup final against Montpellier as he returns to full training ahead of schedule.

sand Initially excluded for three months Ireland’s successful Six Nations Triple Crown clash with Scotland in March due to an elbow injury.

His return, a month earlier than originally planned, is a boost for head coach Richie Murphy as wing Jacob Stockdale has been ruled out of the final after surgery on a facial injury.

Stockdale was injured in a challenge in the Challenge Cup semi-final with Exeter Chiefs wing Emmanuel Faye-Waboso, which was deemed high by the match officials, and was sent to the sin bin.

Back-row David McCann is also back in full training after picking up a knee injury late on against Exeter.

As expected, Stuart McCloskey ruled out of the final with a hamstring injury in the last four win over the Chiefs and captain Ian Henderson was suspended.

Veteran hooker Rob Herring will miss the decider against Glasgow Warriors on Friday after being forced off early on his return from a calf problem.

Ulster, who have not won a trophy in 20 years, missed out on the United Rugby Championship play-offs in a dramatic final weekend of the regular season to reach the final in Bilbao.

Murphy’s side need to win the final to qualify for next season’s Champions Cup, or face another campaign in Europe’s second tier.