His displays attracted praise from Ireland head coach Andy Farrell and earned him the Six Nations ‘Rising Player’ award.

Farrell will hope Baloucoune recovers in time for the start of Ireland’s Nations Championship campaign, with fixtures against Australia, Japan and New Zealand in July.

Baloucoune’s injury is another blow for Ulster boss Richie Murphy, who is without several players for Friday’s URC game against Connacht.

Earlier this week, the province confirmed Cormac Izuchukwu, James Hume and Dave Shanahan will miss the inter-provincial fixture after sustaining concussions in last week’s win over Edinburgh.

Jude Postlethwaite, who was part of Ireland’s Six Nations squad, will be unavailable for several weeks after suffering a hand fracture, while versatile back Jake Flannery is nursing a shoulder issue.

Second row Harry Sheridan is suspended following his red card against Edinburgh.