Rugby:Any lingering hopes that Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin may have harboured about wheeling Stephen Ferris out for the Magners League play-offs have been dispelled with the news that the Ireland flanker will not play again this season.
Ferris has not featured since January, missing the entire Six Nations campaign, and after the province consulted with his doctors and the IRFU medical team it was decided not to risk him again in the current campaign.
McLaughlin will also be without Willie Faloon for Sunday’s semi-final against Leinster with the backrow due to have have an operation on a shoulder problem this Thursday.
Dan Tuohy is also a major concern after picking up a hamstring injury last Friday. The lock is due to have an MRI scan tomorrow after which a decision on his availability will be made.
In contrast, Leinster coach Joe Schmidt received a clean bill of health after his side’s win over Glasgow at the RDS. Once again, Rob Kearney will be the only absentee as he continues his rehabilitation from a long-term knee injury.
Both sides are due to name their starting line-ups on Thursday.
