Best happy with injury progress

Rory Best is looking forward to making his comeback from a serious neck injury

Ulster and Ireland hooker Rory Best is pleased with his recovery from a neck injury which has ruled him out for the entire season.

The 27-year-old had surgery for a chronic disc injury.

"It's all about if the bone put into my neck to replace the disc takes - hopefully it will and I will come back strongly," said Best.

"At the minute no further surgery is required and I'm very optimistic. But I will take it each month at a time."

He added: "I'm now lifting weights in the gym but I still can't drive.

"My next review is on 14 October and we'll just take it from there.

"It is frustrating watching Ulster but the team is doing a great job at the minute."