Ulster squad hit by injuries and self-isolation ahead of Edinburgh finale

It was confirmed last week that four Ulster players tested positive for Covid-19 and are currently self-isolating, with all said to ‘remain well’.

A further nine players have been identified as close contacts from the confirmed cases and are also currently self-isolating in accordance with Public Health guidelines.

Last week’s game against Scarlets was called off less than 48 hours before the scheduled kick-off after the confirmed cases in the Ulster camp. The points were awarded to Scarlets and the game will not be rescheduled.

The seven Ulster players on the injury list ahead of Saturday’s game at Murrayfield are: John Cooney (neck), Luke Marshall (knee), Jack McGrath (hip), Eric O’Sullivan (shoulder), Jacob Stockdale (shoulder), Ethan McIlroy (hip) and Cormac Izuchukwu (knee).

On Monday, Edinburgh announced that a player had tested positive for Covid-19 but said the game would still go ahead at the weekend.

A statement on the club’s official website read: “Today’s (Monday) training at the club has been cancelled as a precaution and the entire squad and playing staff were tested early this morning (Monday).

“Further updates on the squad will be issued as appropriate.

“The club continues to operate an extensive health and safety coronavirus mitigation plan and follow all respective health guidance aligned through Scottish Rugby’s Threat Management Group.

“The club’s Guinness PRO14 match against Ulster at BT Murrayfield this Saturday (5 June) is still scheduled to go ahead as planned.”

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