Botha boost for Ulster

The 29-year-old South African World Cup winner missed the last Magners League clash with Glasgow after picking up a knee injury when representing his country against Ireland on November 28.

The former Sharks prop also sat out Saturday's famous European triumph over Stade Francais at Ravenhill but is expected to return to action for the rematch in Belgium this weekend.

Botha, who has 19 caps for the Springboks, should be given the all clear to return to the Ulster squad for the crucial Heineken Cup encounter at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.

If Botha is cleared to play on Saturday, he is likely replace Declan Fitzgerald in the front row as Brian McLaughlin's men look to consolidate their position at the head of their European group.

The news means that Botha is also likely to be available for the mouth-watering Magners League games against Leinster, Munster and the Ospreys on Boxing Day, January 2 and January 8 respectively.

That trio of fixtures could well have a huge bearing on Ulster's domestic season as they currently sit just a point behind Munster, two points behind the Ospreys and three points behind third-placed Leinster.

Ireland international Paddy Wallace is not expected to play a part against Stade, however, as he continues to struggle with the ankle injury that prevented him from featuring against the same opposition four days ago.