Will Addison's season is over.
The Ulster back has been banned for four matches following his red card in last week's Rainbow Cup defeat to Munster at Thomond Park.
Addison was making his first Ulster start in 16-months, but was dismissed just before half-time for a dangerous tackle on Munster's Shane Daly.
As Ulster only have three fixtures remaining this season, it means the Ireland won't feature again for the province until next season.
The disciplinary process was overseen by Judicial Officer Rhian Williams (WRU) who judged the offence one of a mid-range nature, warranting a six-week suspension.
Addison then had two-weeks chalked off his ban for mitigating circumstances.
His absence is one of twelve changes made by head coach Dan McFarland for Friday night's game with Leinster at the RDS. Only Billy Burns, Jacob Stockdale and Iain Henderson have been retained from the Thomond Park loss.
"We’ve got games left and we’ve got to squeeze as much as we can out of those games and give guys an opportunity to put their hand up for tours, for places in squads," McFarland said earlier this week.
“Guys are jockeying for positions on the depth charts and there are all sorts of things that are being competed for.”
Winger Rob Lyttle said, "While the past couple of games have been disappointing, we’ve actually had quite a good season and I know there’s no silverware to prove that, but actually as a group we have done well.
He added, "It’s [the Rainbow Cup] not as big a deal as the Challenge Cup and the PRO14 season gone by but these are still inter-pros, they are still big games.
“There are guys (at Ulster) who are trying to push into the Ireland squad for the summer and they want to get one over against the guys they’re playing against.
“They (Leinster) are the best team in the league. There’s massive rivalry and we take it very personally when we play there.
“Also, as it’s the close of the season, there’s competition for guys in the squad to put their hand up for Dan (McFarland) going forward for next year.
“So it’s (the Rainbow Cup) definitely still a big deal.”
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