Ulster's new hooker Neil Hanna looks set to miss the season with a knee injury.

Hanna, who joined this summer from English Division One side Rotherham, sustained the injury in training and following orthopaedic opinion will require surgery.

Hanna's rehabilitation period is anticipated to be between six and nine months.

Second row Matt McCullough is making progress following foot surgery during the summer and could be fit for the start of the season.