Ulster have provided an injury update on No 8 Juarno Augustus ahead of Sunday’s EPCR Challenge Cup clash against the Cheetahs in Amsterdam.

The South African had first been diagnosed with what was described as a “significant ankle ligament injury”, but defence coach Willie Faloon says there is now cautious optimism around his recovery timeline.

“He saw a specialist last Friday and hopefully we’ll see in the next couple of weeks when he’ll be back,” Faloon told BBC Sport NI. “We’re hoping it will be a little more positive.”

Augustus is one of several players sidelined for the trip to the Netherlands.

Ireland wing Jacob Stockdale has been ruled out with a rib injury sustained during last week’s Vodacom URC win over Munster.

He joins a lengthy injury list that includes Michael Lowry, Rory McGuire (both ankle), Charlie Irvine (calf), Ethan McIlroy (ribs), James McNabney (knee) and Stewart Moore (hand).

There was, however, some welcome news for Richie Murphy’s squad with winger Ben Moxham declared available for selection. The 24-year-old has completed his recovery from a serious knee injury after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament against Leinster in November 2024.

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Ulster opened their Challenge Cup campaign in emphatic fashion with a 61-7 win over Racing 92 before suffering a narrow 29-26 defeat to Cardiff. They now face a different challenge against the Cheetahs, with the fixture being staged at a neutral venue.

“Looking forward to it,” Faloon said. “It’s different, travelling to Amsterdam and playing against a team we don’t face regularly. We want to go as well in the Challenge Cup as we can, so it’s really important that we win this game and put ourselves in a good position.”

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