Ferris likely to to return for Ulster

ULSTER HOPE to have Stephen Ferris back in their team this weekend. The Irish flanker suffered back spasms last week before Ulster beat Glasgow in Scotstoun on Friday night but he has made real progress since then.

While captain Johann Müller is out for eight weeks after a thumb operation, Declan Fitzpatrick and Robbie Diack have been back training and are close to full fitness. Roger Wilson, who has had two matches with Ulster A is also on the way back to full fitness.

In Munster everyone came through Sunday’s encounter with Edinburgh with a clean bill of health. Locks Paul O’Connell and Donncha O’Callaghan both retired but report nothing of concern.

Felix Jones also came through unscathed after making his first appearance at this level since May and though Casey Laulala received attention for a groin problem he played the full match and is reported to be fit.

Ronan O’Gara, who spent the game in front of a TV monitor in the Munster dugout, is not expected to be involved against Zebre on Friday but along with Keith Earls could be back in early November. Wian du Preez is looking at a similar timeframe, although it’s likely to be towards the end of November before Niall Ronan returns.

In Connacht Robbie Henshaw, Tiernan O’Halloran, Mata Fifita, Eoin Griffin and Dave McSharry, picked up knocks in Saturday’s defeat to Harlequins. Mike McCarthy and Adrian Flavin are also nursing injuries from the game.

Centre Danie Poolman will train with the squad today ahead of Saturday’s RaboDirect Pro 12 game against Ospreys. The 23-year-old South African returned from a week in Germany where he underwent intensive treatment on his hamstring. Andrew Browne, Gavin Duffy, Matt Healy, Mark McCrea, Paul O’Donohoe, Ethienne Reynecke and Kyle Tonetti remain unavailable due to injury.