Tadhg Beirne has been included in World Rugby's Team of the Year for 2025.
The Munster player is selected for the second successive year and is included in the second row alongside England's Maro Itoje.
Beirne is the only Irish player in the side, with South Africa leading the way with six players in the 15.
Leinster will learn later this week how James Ryan’s first career red card will impact their Champions Cup plans.
The Ireland lock was dismissed in Saturday’s 24–13 loss to South Africa after a bunker review upgraded his yellow for making contact with Malcolm Marx’s face.
Under Law 9.11, sanctions for reckless or dangerous play start at two weeks and can stretch to 52, with any head contact carrying at least a mid-range entry point.
Ryan, now waits to discover his fate.
Ulster have received a timely boost ahead of Friday’s URC clash with Benetton this weekend.
Juarno Augustus and Cormac Izuchukwu are both back in team training after injury layoffs, with their availability to be assessed during the week.
Ireland internationals Iain Henderson, Jacob Stockdale and Nick Timoney have also returned from camp and are in the selection frame.
However, Ben Carson is sidelined with a hamstring injury picked up for Ulster ‘A’, while Michael Lowry remains out after suffering an ankle injury in an Ireland selection win over Spain.
