Ulster's New Zealand centre Paul Steinmetz says he will be fit to start the new season.
The 26-year-old received a spiral fracture of the right leg last May, but is poised to start the final surge back to full fitness next week.
''It has been very frustrating the past few months having a cast on for the holidays,'' said Steinmetz.
''But the medical staff are very happy with the actual break and how it has healed. I will be ready for August.''
Steinmetz, who played for the Highlanders in the Super 12, says that things are falling into place.
''The medical boys are now trying to get the ankle perfectly right,'' Steinmetz told BBC Sport.
''They want to get the full movement of the joint back to what it was. In fact, I think they are looking at another three weeks when I can start the real physical stuff again.
''After that I should be ready for the new season.''
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