Dalton hobbled off during Ulster's win over Benetton last Friday [Getty Images]BBCTue, December 2, 2025 at 12:37 PM UTC·1 min readUlster second row Matthew Dalton has been ruled out of Friday's Challenge Cup opener against Racing 92 (20:00 GMT) with a knee injury.
Dalton picked up the injury during last weekend's United Rugby Championship win over Benetton having replaced captain Iain Henderson just prior to kick-off.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHenderson withdrew after experiencing a back spasm in the warm-up and remains a doubt for Friday's European fixture.
With Henderson's Ireland team-mate Cormac Izuchukwu also a doubt because of an ongoing foot injury, head coach Richie Murphy could be light on second-row options.
Hooker Rob Herring is also a doubt with an ankle problem he sustained after coming off the bench in the Benetton game.
With Michael Lowry having missed the Benetton game, full-back Bradley McNamara has joined the squad as injury cover after recently impressing in Ulster A's win over Connacht Eagles.
Australia prop Angus Bell could make his debut after arriving in Belfast last week.
