The Ulster winger was lining out in a club game for Ballymena when he suffered the latest in a long line of injuries which have blighted his career.

This is not the first time the 29 year old has broken a leg, and a broken thumb kept him out of the famous European Cup success of 1999.

Topping, who has played eight time for Ireland made his 100th appearance for Ulster in last April’s Celtic League game against the Blues in Cardiff.