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.

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.