Jordi Murphy closes in on long-awaited Ulster return

Jordi Murphy looks in line to make his first appearance of the season this weekend, when Ulster return to United Rugby Championship action against the Dragons.

The URC leaders travel to Rodney Parade this Sunday, with a strong squad to choose from, after six of their players were released from Ireland camp.

In addition to those returning players, Dan McFarland's side have confirmed that Murphy and Cormac Izuchukwu have both resumed full training after long-term injury layoffs.

Murphy hasn't played since Round 3 of the Rainbow Cup against Munster in May 2021, with the Ireland international's season delayed by a knee injury.

While Ulster lead the URC table after their bonus point win against Connacht 10 days ago, just six points separate the top five teams, two of whom have a game in hand over the northern province.

However, Sunday's opponents Dragons are without a win since their surprise victory at Connacht in October, drawing 13-13 with Benetton last time out, and sit 15th in the table.

Grant says every game matters as they look to keep their heads among the high-seeds for the end of season play-offs.

"I think every game has been competitive, both top and bottom of the table," Grant added.

"It's really competitive competition, last weekend with rearranged games some of the squads that were out were really good teams, like the Leinster Edinburgh, great teams out from both sides.

"It's very competitive, certainly this season, and everyone on top is around seven wins, and lost two or three games which shows how competitive is it, as opposed to us or Leinster last season.

"You can't afford to slip up in every game, we've already lost three, all the teams around us have lost two or three, you've got to win each game.

"I's so