Ulster could have two Ireland stars back from injury for Pro12 climax

This would be some boost for the run-in.

They still have some work to do to book a play-off spot, but it looks like Ulster could have some very powerful reinforcements to call on at the end of the season. The province have released a mixed injury update following Sunday's defeat by Cardiff, but the headlines will come from the positive updates surrounding Ireland internationals Iain Henderson and Tommy Bowe, with both men 'likely to be available for selection before the end of the season'. Bowe is continuing his recovery from reconstructive knee surgery on an injury suffered during the World Cup, and is "making excellent progress ahead of a further review with his surgeon this week". Meanwhile, Henderson, a revelation at the World Cup prior to suffering a hamstring tear against Edinburgh in December is also progressing well in his rehab and should play a part in the closing stages of the campaign. There was bad news for in-form centre Sam Arnold, however, as a hamstring injury suffered in Cardiff will keep him out of action for three to four weeks, while Dan Tuohy's recovery from a broken ankle suffered in the same game as Henderson's injury has not gone to plan and he is due to have exploratory surgery before his return date can be accurately forecast. Elsewhere, Luke Marshall (ankle), Nick Williams (shoulder) and Rob Herring (hamstring) face fitness tests ahead of this weekend's game against Zebre.