Stockdale’s return is significant boost for Ulster

Ulster have been boosted by the return of Ireland wing Jacob Stock dale ahead of tonight’ s Guinness Pro 14 semi-final at Scotstoun.

Louis Ludik comes in on the other wing as former Glasgow and Scotland for wards coach Dan Mcfarland named as close to his strongest possible XV for the biggest match of the season.

“We’ re treating it as an opportunity to play against a quality side and are confident in the work we’ve done this week, but understanding it’s a difficult task,” said head coach Mcfarland. “It’s what you want to be doing. We could be on our sun loungers now, but we’re playing playoff rugby which is brilliant.”

Meanwhile, Mako Vunipola will miss the climax to Saracens’ pursuit of the double after being ruled of the rest of the season by a significant hamstring injury.

Vunipola lasted just half an hour of the Heineken Champions Cup final victor y over Leinster on Saturday before being forced off alongside fellow prop Titi Lamositele, who will also miss the Gallagher Premiership title push.

A date for Vunipola’s return has yet to be confirmed, but Saracens director of rugby Mark Mccall insists the British and Irish loosehead will be available for England’s World Cup campaign.

“Mako has a torn hamstring. We’re waiting to see exactly what happens with that, but I very much doubt he’ll play again this season. Net her will Titi,” Mccall said. “Mako won’t be out of the World Cup, but he’ll be out for a while. It’s quite a significant injury.”

• Former France full-back Scott Spedding is to retire at the end of the season. The 33- year-old, who is with French club Cast re s but is currently inured, scored one try and seven penalties in 23 Test matches. Born in South Africa, he was granted French citizenship in 2014 and played at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. •London Scottish have appointed Graham Steadman as head coach.

Steadman, 57, is a former defence coach for the Scotland national side and has also worked for Ireland, Munster, Newcastle Falcons, Sale Sharks and the Cardiff Blues.

He was previously London S cottish’s backs and attack Coach and but now replaces Nic Rouse as head coach.

Stead man played rugby league for Castleford Tigers, and Featherstone and was capped by Great Britain.