Iain Henderson among 11 released from Irish camp for URC

Ulster have been given a big boost ahead of this weekend's United Rugby Championship visit of Cardiff (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player), with captain Iain Henderson available to play for Dan McFarland's side.

The lock is one of 11 players who have been made available for the provinces, as the IRFU look to keep their game time ticking over during the Six Nations rest week.

Henderson missed Ireland's 57-6 win against Italy last Sunday, having tested positive for Covid-19 upon his return to camp last week, and with the 30-year-old having played just twice since the end of November due to respective hamstring and ankle issues, head coach Andy Farrell is looking to build up his minutes ahead of Ireland's Round 4 meeting with England at Twickenham on 12 March.

Henderson is among four Ulster players who will return to the province, with Robert Baloucoune, James Hume and Nick Timoney also heading back to Kingspan Stadium this weekend., while in further good news for the Ulster, scrum-half John Cooney has returned to full training following a calf injury.

However, Ulster pair Mike Lowry and Kieran Treadwell, who both scored tries in last Sunday's win, will both stay with the squad for their mini-camp later this week, which will include an open training session for fans at the Aviva Stadium, the team's first open session since the start of the pandemic.

On the injury front, the IRFU say Andrew Porter (above) will be managed this week for the ankle injury he suffered against Italy on Sunday. Porter was withdrawn on 44 minutes against Italy, with Farrell suggesting the issue appeared to be minor.

Robbie Henshaw will continue to follow the return to play protocols following a brain injury on Sunday.

Of the remaining players released back to the