ULSTER, IRELAND AND Lions blindside flanker could be forced to retire from rugby in the coming week as he battles a persistent ankle injury.
The 28-year-old returned to action in March having been given two contract extensions during his injury lay-off from ankle tendon damage suffered in November 2012.
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Ferris made a thrilling comeback at Ravenhill in March and added three more of his 106 Ulster appearances this season, the last of which came in the Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat to Saracens at Ravenhill.
The Irish Times‘ Gavin Cummiskey reported the growing fears for Ferris’ career this morning. TheScore.ie has since learned that his injury continues to be the subject of ongoing assessment and no formal decision has yet been made. However, it appears that if no obvious improvement is seen then he will be advised not play rugby again.
On top of his 106 appearances for his province Ferris has played 35 times for Ireland, including a starring role in the World Cup 2011 win over Australia in Auckland. A match which delivered this iconic image of the Portadown man hoisting Wallabies scrum-half Will Genia while driving him towards the Australian 22.
Thanks, Fez. Billy Stickland / INPHO
Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO
Stephen Ferris facing possible retirement due to persistent ankle injury
ULSTER, IRELAND AND Lions blindside flanker could be forced to retire from rugby in the coming week as he battles a persistent ankle injury.
The 28-year-old returned to action in March having been given two contract extensions during his injury lay-off from ankle tendon damage suffered in November 2012.
Ferris made a thrilling comeback at Ravenhill in March and added three more of his 106 Ulster appearances this season, the last of which came in the Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat to Saracens at Ravenhill.
The Irish Times‘ Gavin Cummiskey reported the growing fears for Ferris’ career this morning. TheScore.ie has since learned that his injury continues to be the subject of ongoing assessment and no formal decision has yet been made. However, it appears that if no obvious improvement is seen then he will be advised not play rugby again.
On top of his 106 appearances for his province Ferris has played 35 times for Ireland, including a starring role in the World Cup 2011 win over Australia in Auckland. A match which delivered this iconic image of the Portadown man hoisting Wallabies scrum-half Will Genia while driving him towards the Australian 22.
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ankle Hero Injury Ireland recurring nightmare Stephen Ferris suftum Too soon Ulster