Nick Williams looks to have played his last game for Ulster after it was announced he will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.

The number eight is set to join Cardiff Blues in the summer and has failed in his attempts to return to action for the climax of the provincial campaign.

The news will be a blow to Les Kiss with his side currently sitting in fourth spot in the Pro 12 table with two games left to play as they look to secure a play-off place.

There is further bad news for the province with Tommy Bowe, who recently returned from a long lay-off, ruled out of Friday night's crunch fixture against Leinster with a minor knee problem.

The Ireland winger may be fit again in time for the visit to play his old side the Ospreys on May 7th in a potentially season-defining clash.