Rugby legend Stephen Ferris nicknamed ‘The Ferris Wheel’ made a reputation as one of the most physical players in Europe. Retiring in 2014 due to injury in his ankle. Born on the 2nd August 1985 Stephen Ferris is from Maghaberry and attended Friends’ School, Lisburn. He successfully graduated from the Ulster Academy and joined the rugby team on a development contract at the start of the 2005-06 season. After being selected into the Under-20 Ireland World Cup Squad in 2005. He made his debut at Ulster in October 2005 against the Border Reivers. He then went on to make his full Ireland debut against the Pacific Islanders in November 2006.
Due to his great performances’ he was then selected for the Ireland Rugby World Cup squad in 2007 but remained on the bench as an unused reserve for the tournament. He didn’t partake in the 2008 Six Nations due to injury. After managing to keep his place for the following years Six Nations. In 2009 he was chosen to join the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa, scoring his first Lions try on the 3rd June against the Golden Lions but unfortunately, was forced to withdraw from the squad due to a knee injury obtained during training. He made an international return for the autumn series in the same year and played strongly in a draw with Australia and an impressive victory against South Africa.
Ferris went on to play in four of Ireland’s 2010 Six Nations matches. Due to injury, he missed the 2010 Summer Tour, then went on to make his international comeback during the 2010 November Tests. Scoring his first international try against New Zealand and scored his second against Argentina during this time. Ferris didn’t play again until late 2011 due to injury. Being included in the 2011 World Cup, Ferris assisted in a historic win over Australia.
He adopted the famous ‘wrap-around’ tackle to prevent Australia from getting a quick ball. Ireland eventually lost to Wales in the quarter-finals but Ferris was viewed as one of the stand out players in the tournament. Ferris shone in the 2011-12 season, despite injuries he continued to perform well for his team earning man of the match honours during Ulster’s Heineken Cup quarter final victory against Munster. His strong performances gained him a nomination for the ERC European Player of the Year 2012. Ferris last played against Edinburgh in 2012, however due to an ankle injury he sustained he was put on short term contract whilst he underwent rehabilitation, he returned against the Scarlets in March 2014.
How to hire Stephen Ferris
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Stephen Ferris for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
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