Ireland, Ulster and Lions flanker Stephen Ferris has been forced to retire from rugby due to a recurring ankle injury ages just 28.
The barnstorming flanker was a crucial part of Ireland’s 2009 Grand Slam-winning side and went on star for the British and Irish Lions that summer in South Africa, scoring a number of stand-out tries.
He was also hugely influential in the rise of Ulster rugby in recent seasons as a Heineken Cup force to be reckoned with.
Ferris was linked with a move to Japan last summer before he was given a short-term IRFU deal.
After a cameo in Ulster’s Heineken Cup defeat to Saracens in April, Ferris suffered another setback which ruled him out for the rest of this season.
The 28-year-old won 35 caps for Ireland and made 106 appearances for Ulster.
Ulster’s Director of Rugby, David Humphreys, 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.â€
Ferris said of this decision: “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.â€
Meanwhile, Ireland captain Paul O’Connell insists the decision by forwards coach John Plumtree to return to New Zealand will not impact on their two-match tour of Argentina.
The Irish squad touched down in Buenos Aires on Monday morning and O’Connell said that, while he was disappointed that Plumtree was going to move on, the work has already been done for the Test games against the Pumas.
“He’s very professional and he’s very well prepared for this tour as we all are, so I don’t think it’s going to affect the tour in any way. I suppose, it was great to get a guy with such experience to get the job and such great personality as well.
“He’s a fairly laid-back guy and very experienced – he was great. It helped me to be able to share ideas and discuss ideas with him so the disruption is just trying to find someone of similar calibre to replace him with, with the World Cup looming.”
Tributes for retiring Irish Grand-Slam hero Stephen Ferris
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