RUGBY: Ulster still holding out hope of Vermeulen debut this weekend
Ulster remain coy on whether new South African signing Duane Vermeulen will make his debut for the side this weekend.
The World Cup winner is completing his graduated return to training programme following his recent COVID-19 diagnosis.
The squad update stated: "He remains well, and his fitness to play this weekend will be monitored through the remainder of the week.
Ulster take on Clermont Auvergne at Stade Marcel Michelin in Saturday’s Heineken Champions Cup opener.
They then host Northampton at the Kingspan the following Friday.
However, they are without a host of player for the first game.
Bradley Roberts (ankle), Marty Moore (concussion) and Tom Stewart (foot) all sustained injuries during Saturday's defeat to Ospreys in Round 7 of the United Rugby Championship.
All three players are unavailable for selection for this weekend's match.
They join Jacob Stockdale (ankle), Luke Marshall (knee), Will Addison (lower leg), Iain Henderson (hamstring), Cormac Izuchukwu (knee) and Jordi Murphy (knee) on the current injury list.