Sad news today that Stephen Ferris has been forced into retirement due to recurring injury problems. The 28 year-old won 35 caps for Ireland and played for Ulster times.
A statement on the Ulster rugby website says:
It is every young rugby player’s dream to represent their Province and their country and I have been enormously privileged to have done both.
I have shared a pitch with so many talented players over the past nine years and I want to thank my team-mates at Ulster and Ireland for the support that they have given me.
I also want to thank the IRFU as well as the strength and conditioning coaches and medical team at Ulster Rugby, for all their hard work, patience and backing over the past year and a half.
Finally, I would like to thank my family – my mum Linda and my dad Robert who helped me on the journey from playing rugby as a young kid at Portadown to lining out for the British and Irish Lions. My girlfriend Laura has been and remains a constant source of inspiration and encouragement.
I have had a great career, met many wonderful people and I hang up the boots with no regrets.
Former teammate and current Ulster's Director of Rugby, David Humphries said:
I would like to thank Stephen for the outstanding contribution that he has made to Ulster Rugby.
We knew from the day and hour that he walked into the Academy that he was an exceptional talent. Through dedication and hard work he developed into one of the best forwards in the world game.
He has always played an important leadership role within the squad and he helped mentor and inspire others.
While we are sorry to be losing Stephen, we recognise and celebrate the exceptional rugby career that he has had and wish him every success in the future.
We wish him the very best of luck in whatever he turns his hand to next.
