Steven Kitshoff's season over while James Hume facing long layoff for Ulster

Steven Kitshoff has played his final game for Ulster, with the province confirming a season-ending knee injury for the loosehead prop.

The Springbok World Cup winner is set to leave Ulster at the end of the season, having been granted early release from his contract in order to rejoin the Stormers.

Kitshoff only arrived at Ulster in November on what was meant to be a three-year deal, but an agreement was reached earlier this month to allow him go back to the South African franchise.

The 32-year-old, who has played 14 games for Ulster, suffered a knee injury during their heavy Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat to Clermont Auvergne.

"Following a scan and specialist opinion it has been determined that unfortunately this is season-ending," an Ulster statement read.

"He will travel back to South Africa this week, where he will see a knee specialist to decide on the required treatment plan."

Ulster picked up their first BKT United Rugby Championship win under interim head coach Richie Murphy last Friday, with a controversial 19-17 victory over Cardiff, leaving them 10th in the table ahead of Friday's visit of Benetton to Belfast.

That win appears to have come at quite a cost though, with four players picking up injuries, in particular James Hume who could be facing a lengthy layoff.

"Hume sustained a significant knee injury during Friday night's BKT United Rugby Championship game against Cardiff," Ulster's injury update added.

"He will see a specialist knee surgeon this week. Jake Flannery (thigh), Tom O'Toole (ankle) and Nathan Doak (groin) also suffered injuries during the same game and their availability for selection will be monitored through this week."

Iain Henderson, Rob Herring and Nick Timoney were among those who also missed