Ward ruled out of Munster game but trio return

Ulster back row Bryn Ward has been ruled out of Saturday's United Rugby Championship game against Munster because of a knee injury.

Ward sustained the problem in last weekend's dramatic 33-33 draw with Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun.

Scrum-half Matthew Devine is a doubt for the interprovincial encounter at the Affidea Stadium, which has a 17:30 BST kick-off.

The former Connacht player is carrying a shoulder injury and his fitness for selection will be assessed later this week.

On a more positive note for Ulster head coach Richie Murphy, Jacob Stockdale has returned to full training after overcoming the hip injury which forced him to withdraw from the starting line-up for the meeting with Glasgow.

Similarly, Scott Wilson (ankle) and Robert Baloucoune (concussion) have are both fit for selection after injuries.

Ulster are still aiming to secure their first URC win of the season after an opening weekend defeat by Edinburgh in Belfast was followed by a draw in Glasgow.

Munster beat the Bulls in Limerick on Saturday after losing to Glasgow Warriors at Thomond Park seven days earlier.