McCloskey set to miss Challenge Cup final through injury

McCloskey was injured during the semi-final victory over Exeter Chiefs Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey is set to miss the European Challenge Cup final with a serious hamstring problem as the injuries mount for head coach Richie Murphy. In-form McCloskey sustained the injury in the semi-final win over Exeter Chiefs and missed Ulster's 38-38 draw with Stormers in the United Rugby Championship on Friday after going for an MRI in the week to determine the extent of the injury. When asked to confirm if the 33-year-old was set to be out for a period of four to six weeks, Murphy replied: "That's what they're saying.

" Murphy added: "He has a serious hamstring injury. Is he a doubt for the final? Absolutely.

Does it look likely he will play? Probably not, but we will see where that ends up. " Jacob Stockdale (facial fracture) and David McCann (knee) are also doubts for the decider in Bilbao against Montpellier after they were injured in the last-four victory against the Chiefs.

Murphy will also be concerned about the availability of captain Iain Henderson, whose initial yellow card for a croc-roll in the ruck against the Stormers was upgraded to a 20-minute red card. "Once you get a red card, that is not in our hands, you go to a judiciary. Initially he clears straight through the ruck and ends up round the side.