CENTRE OF ATTENTION: Page 49

suffered a serious shoulder injury against Italy, and the latest injury — added to the absence of Jared Payne — leaves Schmidt short of midfielders with Garry Ringrose, Rory Scannell and former Ulsterman Sam Arnold also in the frame to partner Bundee Aki.

Ringrose is the favourite to step back into the No.13 jersey after making his return from an ankle injury in Leinster’s win over the Southern Kings on Friday. AS Ulster’s season goes from bad to worse, Niall Malone says passion is not one of the side’s problems.

Outside the PRO14 play-off spots, despite an expanded format this season, with only five games to go, the province have won just two of their last seven league outings and were thumped 34-10 by Scarlets last time out.

“The current run, I don’t think it is to do with passion,” said assistant coach Malone. “There are various things going on off-field in Ulster at the minute. You try not to make it a distraction, but it is always there.

“In the past, I think (lack of ) passion was the number one criticism, but I don’t think it is anymore. What I would say is that at times before, it was a valid criticism.”

Needing to get back to winning ways, Ulster will have Charles Piutau back for Friday’s visit from Glasgow (7.35pm), although Jean Deysel is a doubt.

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