Ulster star Jacob Stockdale is facing a six to eight week injury lay-off with a hamstring problem.
The club has revealed that the winger has suffered a grade 2 hamstring strain in training and is expected to be ruled out for the next six to eight weeks, which could mean he may not make a return until October.
Stockdale enjoyed a sensational campaign at international level last season, scoring seven tries for Ireland en route to their Grand Slam success.
The 22-year-old set a new Six Nations try-scoring record in the process, and his performances also saw him named the Natwest Player of the Six Nations Championship.
Ulster begin their Pro14 season with a home tie against Scarlets on 1 September. They have been drawn in Pool 4 of the 2018-19 Champions Cup along with Racing 92, Scarlets and Leicester Tigers.
INJURY UPDATE 👎 | Jacob Stockdale suffered a grade 2 hamstring strain in training and is expected to return to play in 6-8 weeks pic.twitter.com/foRu7K2jtR
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) August 13, 2018
