Stockdale and McCloskey doubts for European final

Ireland internationals Jacob Stockdale and Stuart McCloskey have emerged as injury doubts for Ulster's European Challenge Cup final against Montpellier later this month. Outside back Stockdale must visit a maxillo-facial surgeon for a facial fracture sustained in a collision with Immanuel Fey-Waboso in Ulster's semi-final win over Exeter Chiefs last weekend. In-form centre McCloskey will have an MRI scan to determine the extent of the hamstring problem he picked up in the Chiefs game.

Back row David McCann also requires an MRI scan after sustaining a knee injury in the 29-12 win over the Prem side. Ulster face Montpellier in Bilbao on 22 May as the Irish province chase their first piece of silverware in 20 years. In more positive news, Ulster boss Richie Murphy's front-row options have been boosted with props Angus Bell and Scott Wilson and hooker Rob Herring returning to training this week before Friday's United Rugby Championship game against the table-topping Stormers at Affidea Stadium (19:45 BST).

Ulster sit eighth in the URC table following back-to-back defeats by inter-provincial rivals Leinster and Munster. Murphy's side will secure Champions Cup rugby for next season with a top-eight URC finish or by winning the Challenge Cup.