THROWBACK: Stephen Ferris' HUGE hit on his return from 14 months on the sideline
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Known for his furious tackling and his incredibly physical approach to the game, Stephen Ferris was a feared man on the rugby pitch during his 9-year-long career.
Ferris' career was interrupted with injuries from start to finish but still managed to rack up 35 test caps for Ireland and over 100 appearances for Ulster.
Going into the 2011–12 season, Ulster and Ferris shone on the European stage with the Irish side putting in a memorable 41–7 win over Leicester at Ravenhill during the Cup group stages. His strong performances led to him being nominated for the ERC European Player of the Year 2012 with Ulster ultimately losing Leinster in the 2012 Heineken Cup Final, 42–14.
Ferris would later pick up an ankle injury against Edinburgh in November 2012 with the injury preventing a potentially lucrative move to Japan while also sidelining for 14 months before returning against the Scarlets on the 14 March 2014 where he came off the bench to a standing ovation.
It did not take long for the former Ireland international to make a big impact on the game, and when we say big we mean massive!
From the first lineout, Ulster box kick the ball with Ferris charging after it and produced a massive hit!
🚨@StephenFerris6 bringing you today's reminder to wash your hands regularly!
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) March 24, 2020
💦🧼#StaySafe and wash your hands for the same amount of time it takes you to enjoy watching Ferris making his return after 15 months, back in 2014.#StandUpTogether #FightBack pic.twitter.com/V8LVozEWKe
Ulster went on to win the Scarlets match 26–13 but unfortunately, the injury recurred forcing Ferris' retirement in June 2014, aged 28.