Rugby

Gilroy and Fitzpatrick major doubts for Ulster trip to Leicester

Both players suffered concussions in victory over Montpellier

Ulster’s Craig Gilroy leaves the pitch with a broken nose during the Heineken Cup pool game against Montpellier at Ravenhill. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Ulster’s Craig Gilroy leaves the pitch with a broken nose during the Heineken Cup pool game against Montpellier at Ravenhill. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Mon Jan 13 2014 - 17:53

Ireland internationals Craig Gilroy and Declan Fitzpatrick are both serious doubts for Ulster's winner takes all Heineken Cup clash with Leicester at Welford Road next Saturday after both players suffered concussions in the Pool Five victory over Montpellier at Ravenhill last Friday.

Winger Gilroy suffered a broken nose and was replaced by Michael Allen after 56 minutes of the 27-16 win that kept up Ulster's 100 per cent record in the competition this season.

Gilroy will see a specialist in Belfast on Monday evening and will follow normal return-to-play protocols ahead of Saturday’s game.

Fitzpatrick only came on in the 62nd minute to replace try-scorer John Afoa and went on to complete the game.

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Despite nearing the end of his rehabilitation from the groin injury he picked up playing for Ireland during the November series, the Montpellier game looks like coming too soon for Tommy Bowe.

Ulster lead Pool Five on 22 points, two clear of Leicester, with both sides having already qualified for the quarter-finals.

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