Rugby - news round-up:Ulster have moved to assuage fears that Rory Best has suffered another serious neck injury, revealing the Ireland hooker could be fit for the Magners League trip to Aironi next weekend.
Best, who missed the bulk of last season with after an operation for a chronic disc condition, was replaced just after half-time during the win over the Ospreys last Friday. Subsequent reports claimed the 28-year-old could be sidelined until Christmas.
Ulster issued a statement earlier today, explaining Best had merely suffered soft tissue damage and could be back on the pitch come Saturday.
“Following investigation and opinion from his surgeon, Ulster can confirm that Rory Best has sustained no new injury or any further damage to his neck,” the province said. “Rory will have ongoing treatment and assessment this week with a view to his availability for selection (against Aironi).”
Leinster, meanwhile, expect to utilise more of their Ireland internationals when they meet Cardiff on Saturday. Beaten by an under-strength Glasgow side last Friday, Joe Schmidt’s side will want to get back on track in front of their home support in Dublin 4.
There are no new injury concerns for the management team to contend with while Mike Ross is said to be progressing well from his calf problem and hopes to be available for selection when Schmidt names his side on Thursday afternoon.