Ulster's Champions Cup final hopes have taken a significant blow, with star centre Stuart McCloskey ruled out for "a number of weeks" due to a hamstring injury. The 33-year-old, who pulled up during the semi-final win over Exeter Chiefs, will miss the 22 May showdown against Montpellier in Bilbao.

Head coach Richie Murphy had already flagged McCloskey as a major doubt after Friday's dramatic draw with the Stormers, but the confirmed timeline dashes any lingering hope of his return for the European decider. McCloskey's absence leaves a sizeable gap in Ulster's midfield, where his physical presence and playmaking ability have been key all season.

The injury list doesn't stop there. Wing Jacob Stockdale is also a doubt for the final after undergoing "successful surgery" on a facial fracture sustained in the same Exeter match—a game where he was sin-binned for a tackle on Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. Back row David McCann adds to the concerns, sitting out Friday's crucial United Rugby Championship clash with Glasgow due to a knee injury and facing a race against time for Bilbao.

Adding to the uncertainty, Ulster await disciplinary news on captain Iain Henderson, who received a 20-minute red card for a croc roll on Stormers hooker Deon Fourie. A potential ban would be another hammer blow for a side already stretched thin.

However, there are glimmers of positivity. Centre James Hume and hooker Rob Herring have returned to training after recovering from neck and calf injuries respectively, offering some relief ahead of the Glasgow game. Both will be assessed to determine their availability.

With Ulster clinging to the eighth and final URC play-off spot—and the Champions Cup qualification that comes with it—Friday's match against table-topping Glasgow is nothing short of a season-defining showdown. Victory would not only secure their postseason place but also deny Glasgow the chance to claim top spot. For Murphy's men, the stakes have never been higher.