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united-rugby-championship
Ulster will be without Ireland wing Robert Baloucoune for the next three months after he sustained an elbow injury in the final round of the Guinness Six Nations.
The 28-year-old is set to undergo surgery on his elbow after picking up the injury in the second half of Ireland’s 43-21 victory over Scotland at the Aviva Stadium.
Baloucoune was replaced with 15 minutes to go in Dublin, having scored his third try of the Championship earlier in the match.
With the United Rugby Championship being played on June 20, a three-month lay-off will likely rule Baloucoune out for the remainder of the season with Ulster. Ulster currently sit third in the rankings, meaning a push for the final is very possible, but Baloucoune would still be in a race to be fit by then.
The injury also throws the winger’s hopes of participating in Ireland’s Nations Championship fixtures in July into jeopardy, where Andy Farrell’s side will face Australia, Japan and the All Blacks.
Fixture
United Rugby Championship
Ulster
Connacht
In a brief medial update on social media, Ulster wrote: “Ulster Rugby can confirm that Rob Baloucoune sustained an elbow injury in Ireland’s win over Scotland last weekend. He will undergo surgery and is expected to be sidelined for approximately three months.
“Wishing you a speedy recovery, Rob.”
This is a cruel blow to both Ulster and Ireland just days after Baloucoune was named the Six Nations BKT Rising Player.
“It’s probably something I wouldn’t have thought would happen,” he said after receiving the award.
“I’m 28, I’m pretty old to be getting the Rising Star (award).
“But hopefully I can show people that there’s always a chance to put your best foot forward, and when you get the chance to take the opportunity.”
Ulster host Irish rivals Connacht this week in the URC before taking on bottom-of-the-table Zebre the following week.