Baloucoune Could Feature in Challenge Cup Final
Robert Baloucoune has not played for Ulster since the Six Nations, when he sustained an elbow injury.
Ireland wing Robert Baloucoune is a candidate to participate in Friday's Challenge Cup final with Montpellier after returning to full training ahead of schedule.
Baloucoune was initially expected to be sidelined for three months due to an elbow injury incurred during Ireland's successful Six Nations Triple Crown decider against Scotland in March.
His comeback, a month earlier than anticipated, is a positive development for head coach Richie Murphy, especially as wing Jacob Stockdale has been ruled out of the final following surgery for a facial injury.
Stockdale sustained his injury during a tackle on Exeter Chiefs wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso in the Challenge Cup semi-final. The tackle was judged high by match officials, resulting in Stockdale being sent to the sin bin.
Back row David McCann has also resumed full training after suffering a knee injury late in the match against Exeter.
As expected, Stuart McCloskey will miss the final due to a hamstring injury sustained in the victory over the Chiefs in the semi-finals, and captain Iain Henderson is suspended.
Experienced hooker Rob Herring will also be absent from the decider after being forced off early in the game against Glasgow Warriors on Friday, during his return from a calf issue.
Ulster, who have not secured a trophy in 20 years, enter the final in Bilbao after narrowly missing out on the play-offs in the United Rugby Championship during the dramatic final weekend of the regular season.
Murphy's team must win the final to qualify for the Champions Cup next season; otherwise, they will face another campaign in Europe's second-tier competition.
