Stephen Ferris signs contract extension with Ulster and Ireland

Blindside flanker, Stephen Ferris, has signed a six-month contract extension with Ulster and Ireland that will see him remain at Ravenhill until at least the end of 2013.

The short-term contract will enable the 27 year-old to undergo rehabilitation with the medical and strength and conditioning staff at the club with the aim of making a full and complete return to rugby.

Ferris suffered an ankle injury playing against Edinburgh in the RaboDirect PRO12 in November last year and hasn’t played since.

Following consultation with medical experts in Belfast, Dublin and London, Ferris underwent a third ankle operation in May. He is expected to miss at least the first four months of the new season.

The flanker has played 102 times for Ulster and has been capped 35 times by Ireland. He toured South Africa with the British and Irish Lions in 2009.

Commenting on the contract extension, Ulster’s Director of Rugby, David Humphreys, said: ‘Stephen has had a difficult year with the injuries that he has suffered, but when he is fit, there is no doubt that he is one of the best back-row forwards in the game.

‘Stephen is passionate about playing for Ulster and Ireland and our aim in giving him this contract extension is to provide him with the best possible care to enable him to get back playing.’

Speaking about his new deal with Ulster, Stephen Ferris said: ‘I am delighted that I can continue my recovery and rehab from injury within the Ulster Rugby set-up.

‘I believe that working with the medical team at Ulster, along with the excellent strength and conditioning coaches, offers me the best chance of regaining full fitness and of representing Ulster and Ireland again.’