New Ulster signing Angus Bell is in line to make his debut for the province in this weekend's EPCR Challenge Cup opener against Racing 92 in Belfast.
Richie Murphy’s side host the French giants at Affidea Stadium on Saturday evening looking to build on an impressive start to the season after winning four of their first five games.
The province will park the URC for the next fortnight as attention turns to Europe, as they host Racing in Belfast this weekend before taking on Cardiff away next week in Pool 3.
Australia international Bell linked up with the squad in Belfast last week, and after having a watching brief of Friday’s 47-13 win against Benetton, he is expected to have some involvement against the Parisiens this weekend.
The loosehead prop has joined on a short-term deal from Super Rugby's Waratahs until the end of the season, similar to the deals Leinster have had with Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane in the last two campaigns.
The powerful prop started all four games for the Wallabies during their November campaign and scored tries in the defeats to Italy and France, and is likely to make his bow for Ulster this weekend.
Belly in Belfast📍 pic.twitter.com/qXFRq2nolQ
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) December 2, 2025
Ulster are sweating on the fitness of several players as they head into a 10-game block leading up to the Six Nations break.
Cormac Izuchukwu remains a doubt for this week’s game as he tries to shake off the foot injury which saw him miss out on Ireland’s Quilter Nations Series, while experienced pair Iain Henderson and Rob Herring are also carrying knocks.
Henderson was a late scratch from the side that had been due to play Benetton in the URC last week due to a back spasm, while Herring picked up an ankle knock during the bonus-point win.
Matthew Dalton, who replaced Henderson in the side for the win against Benetton, has been ruled out due to a knee injury.
The province has also confirmed that Instonians full-back Bradley McNamara has joined the senior squad as short-term injury cover.
