Ulster coach Mark Anscombe has admitted that he expects flanker Stephen Ferris to leave the club at the end of the season.
The Ireland international, who missed the Six Nations with an ankle problem, has been dogged by a succession of injuries in recent seasons.
"Yeah, most probably at this stage - he is a great loss. I don't know if it is signed or sealed at this stage - that's for Stephen and his support team to make those decisions," Anscombe told UTV.
"We haven't had a lot of him this season because of injury, but he is a world-class player.
"Unfortunately we haven't had him all year really and the fact is when you have a player of that calibre you want them on the park, because they're a real concern for the opposition. It's been unfortunate but that's the way it is."
Ferris has made 35 appearances for his country.
