Michael Lowry undergoes facial surgery

Michael Lowry has undergone surgery for a facial injury he sustained at the end of the regular season and will not be available for Ulster’s URC semi-final clash against the Stormers.

The news, issued by the Ulster Rugby Medical Performance team, means Ulster will be without their star fullback when they travel to Cape Town later this week.

Lowry picked up the injury in Round 18 of the URC, in a pivotal clash against fellow title hopefuls the Sharks in Belfast. The 23-year-old started the game brightly, dotting down the first try of the game, but had to be pulled off after making a big hit on Sharks full-back Aphelele Fassi in the 32nd minute. The heavy swelling and blood flowing from around the Irishman’s right eye was visible on screen and gave cause for concern.

James O’Connor is brilliantly open about his life & career | RugbyPass Offload | Episode 36

James O’Connor joins the lads this week to walk us through his phenomenal and often misunderstood career. He talks to us about being the youngest player to line out in Super Rugby and for the Wallabies, struggling with alcohol, fame and partying, as well as playing in London, Manchester and Toulon before returning to Australia. One of the most talented players of his generation, he gives us an incredible insight into the highs and lows of his career so far and what his plans are next. Max and Ryan also cover off the Champions Challenge Cup Finals and the jubilant scenes in La Rochelle

James O’Connor is brilliantly open about his life & career | RugbyPass Offload | Episode 36

James O’Connor joins the lads this week to walk us through his phenomenal and often misunderstood career. He talks to us about being the youngest player to line out in Super Rugby and for the Wallabies, struggling with alcohol, fame and partying, as well as playing in London, Manchester and Toulon before returning to Australia. One of the most talented players of his generation, he gives us an incredible insight into the highs and lows of his career so far and what his plans are next. Max and Ryan also cover off the Champions Challenge Cup Finals and the jubilant scenes in La Rochelle

Ulster went on to win the contest 24-21, securing a home tie in the quarter-finals. They prevailed in their first knockout tie as well, comfortably brushing aside provincial rivals Munster 36-17.

However, the absence of Lowry will be a huge blow for Dan McFarland’s side as they enter the final stages of the league campaign.

Fortunately for Ulster, the team have no further injury concerns to report following their win at Kingspan Stadium against Munster.