Ferris hangs up his boots

Local rugby star Stephen Ferris has announced his retirement from the game.
Ulster Rugby player Stephen Ferris has announced his retirement from rugby. Photo by Andrew Paton/Presseye.com,Ulster Rugby player Stephen Ferris has announced his retirement from rugby. Photo by Andrew Paton/Presseye.com,
Ulster Rugby player Stephen Ferris has announced his retirement from rugby. Photo by Andrew Paton/Presseye.com,

The former Friends’ School, Lisburn pupil has suffered a long injury battle, spending 16 months on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

It looked like Ferris, who lives in Maghaberry, had ultimately won that battle when he returned for Ulster against Scarlets in the RaboDirect PRO12 in March.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He played three more matches for Ulster, making his final appearance against Saracens in the Heineken Cup Quarter Final.

However, following another setback with the ankle, Ferris announced his retirement at Ravenhill on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old back-row forward, won 35 caps for Ireland and made 106 appearances for Ulster.

Confirming his retirement, Ferris said: “It has not really sunk in yet.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He added: “Not that long ago I was told the best thing to do was to hang the boots up. It has all happened pretty quickly.”

Ferris continued: “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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“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.”