Ulster’s Carson and Moore Uncertain for Bordeaux Clash; Cooney’s Return Possible

Ulster Rugby’s Ben Carson and Stewart Moore face uncertainty regarding their participation in Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup pool game against Bordeaux (15:15 GMT), though John Cooney might be available for selection. According to a squad update released by the club on Tuesday, full-back Moore and centre Carson sustained soft tissue contusions, necessitating their removal from the field during the first half of Sunday’s significant defeat by Toulouse. Scrum-half Cooney, who is reportedly considering a departure from Ulster, was absent from the Toulouse match due to a hamstring problem. Nevertheless, the 34-year-old has recommenced training sessions and will undergo observation ahead of Bordeaux’s visit to Kingspan Stadium. Furthermore, Ulster has announced that wing Ben Moxham will be sidelined for the rest of the season, having sustained an anterior cruciate ligament tear in the United Rugby Championship loss to Leinster on 29 November. Last week, head coach Richie Murphy stated that the 23-year-old was scheduled to consult a knee surgeon, and the club has since verified an anticipated nine-month recovery period. Head coach Richie Murphy is currently contending with the absence of several players, including Robert Baloucoune (calf), Jake Flannery (ankle), Jacob Stockdale (hamstring), Ethan McIlroy (ankle), Sean Reffell (ankle), James Hume (knee), Callum Reid (knee), and Tom Stewart (ankle). Following a substantial 61-21 defeat by the reigning champions Toulouse, Ulster aims to recover their form when hosting Bordeaux, currently positioned second in France’s Top 14 league. Bordeaux commenced their European season with a notable 42-28 victory against Leicester on Sunday.