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05/06/2014
Ulster Rugby's Stephen Ferris To Retire
Ulster, Ireland and British and Irish Lions rugby player Stephen Ferris has announced he is to retire.
The 28 year-old won 35 caps for Ireland and made 106 appearances for Ulster during his career.
Mr Ferris is a graduate of the Hughes Insurance Ulster Rugby Academy and made his debut for Ulster as a substitute against Border Reivers in 2005.
He was named Ulster’s player of the year in 2006.
His final appearance for was in the Heineken Cup Quarter-Final against Saracens at Ulster's home stadium, Ravenhill.
Mr Ferris said: "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."
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."
Culture and Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: "Stephen played rugby at the very highest levels for Ulster, Ireland and the Lions. He can be proud of a career with many highlights, where he excelled against the best in the world.
"He has faced retirement with grace and dignity, and continues to set an example for everyone who plays the game. "I wish Stephen well for the future, and thank him for a magnificent contribution to the sport of rugby."
(IT)
The 28 year-old won 35 caps for Ireland and made 106 appearances for Ulster during his career.
Mr Ferris is a graduate of the Hughes Insurance Ulster Rugby Academy and made his debut for Ulster as a substitute against Border Reivers in 2005.
He was named Ulster’s player of the year in 2006.
His final appearance for was in the Heineken Cup Quarter-Final against Saracens at Ulster's home stadium, Ravenhill.
Mr Ferris said: "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."
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."
Culture and Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: "Stephen played rugby at the very highest levels for Ulster, Ireland and the Lions. He can be proud of a career with many highlights, where he excelled against the best in the world.
"He has faced retirement with grace and dignity, and continues to set an example for everyone who plays the game. "I wish Stephen well for the future, and thank him for a magnificent contribution to the sport of rugby."
(IT)
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