Ulster Rugby full-back Louis Ludik can’t wait to return to the Heineken Champions Cup after six months out of the competition through injury. 

The 32-year-old picked up a hamstring injury last May, keeping him out of the first two rounds of this season’s Heineken Champions Cup, when the Irish province defeated Leicester Tigers 24-10 before being beaten 44-12 by 2018 finalists Racing 92. 

That has left Ulster sitting third in Pool 4 ahead of their December double-header with 2018 semi-finalists Scarlets, who beat them last weekend in the Guinness PRO14. 

Ludik – who has made 17 appearances in the Champions Cup – was quick to highlight the importance of their double clash with the Welsh region next month. 

Speaking via Ulster Rugby’s official website, the South African full-back said: “We have a lot of internationals coming back for both sides so it’s going to be very interesting in a few weeks to face them again. 

“We’ve played here a couple of times, so we know what they are about. They love throwing the ball around and it’s always a very fast and furious game and I love playing against them. 

“Whenever we give away penalties, they gain momentum and get their tails up and it’s very difficult to stop them as they are obviously a class side.” 

“It’s obviously the Heineken Champions Cup as well so that is massive, and everyone wants to be involved so I’m looking forward to that week. It’s going to be good.” 

Ludik also admitted he is just happy to be playing again and in contention to feature in Ulster’s Round 3 clash with Scarlets on December 7, live on BT Sport. 

“For me personally, it’s just great to be back after six months and I was just happy to be back out on the field again,” Ludik said.