Stephen Ferris ruled out of quarter final

[coonor]

Stephen Ferris is to undergo surgery on his left knee which will rule him out of Ulster's Heineken Cup clash against Northampton on 10th April...


Having undergone a period of treatment and rehabilitation for the left knee injury sustained during Ulster's match against Aironi in January, Stephen was reassessed by his surgeon today and a decision has been taken him to undergo arthroscopic surgery.
It is hoped that following this procedure a definitive diagnosis and prognosis for return to rugby will be reached, however in the short-term means that Stephen will not be available for Ulster's Heineken Cup quarter-final match against Northampton Saints on 10th April.

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/9207.php

 

[durbutter]

Massive blow for Ulster, best player gone.

A real worry for the man, so many injuries. It's very very sad.

 

[King_D'Arcy]

An absolute nightmare

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Damn, and to think at first they thought it was just a ****le and he'd be ok for the 2nd round of the 6N

 

[coonor]

I really hope he will be back the next week as I was looking forward to going to watch him play. He will be a huge blow for Ulster and he was on such good form before his injury. I feel sorry for the guy as he would have loved to have played in Ulster's first H-Cup quarter final since the late 90's.

 

[munstermuffin]

Lads rumours are circulating about Ferris that it alot more serious than said.

I just remember here last year we knew Paulie was in trouble but originally it was just a week or two he'd be out of and well it turned out to be a lot longer. I just hope he isn't rushed and gets this knee done correctly and comes back stronger

 

[Teh Mite]

I still think he'll be lucky to play again based on what I've been told about the injury. At least if he doesn't want to end up a cripple.

Sad news for the guy.

 

[Feicarsinn]

I do worry for Ferris' future in rugby. Fantastic talent no doubt, but he's just been ruined by constant knee problems. We're lucky in that we have Seanie at 6 as far as Ireland goes, but I really do feel for him on a personal level.

 

[coonor]

Its a massive blow for Ireland. Ferris is a proven top quality 6 and his pure physicality and upper body strength could have been the key to beating the southern hemisphere teams in the world cup. Hopefully the surgery is successful and he can continue to play rugby even if he does miss the world cup. I think he should be able to get back to playing but how will he be used?

 

[Gavin]

Also heard that the rugby career of Ferris could be over. Sad news if it does happen as he is a fantastic player who always gives 100% when on the field.

 

[Jayatron]

Yeah huge loss for us. Ferris is a top class player. Haven't heard these rumors that this injury is career threating. Where did you hear this??

On the plus side Ian Humphreys is coming back which will be a huge boost for us. Humph is the pivot of the Ulster team.

 

[Teh Mite]

He's tore the medial collateral ligament - Normally not bad but he's done it several times at the worst possible way he could do it. I suspect the way people mention cartilage he's also wrecked the mensus.

http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/kneeinjuries/a/mclinjury.htm

The upshot is, if he plays (or for that matter, runs and does anything too strenuous) he risks causing the knee to seize up completely as the joint is worn away.

 

[munstermuffin]

I think even Ferris acknowledges it himself as on previous occasions he has said he expects to be retired early from the game. Also feel sorry for him as in past 2 years since Ireland won slam he really started hitting peak.

 

[lucky number 7]

Thats awful news for Ulster, Ireland and rugby in general. fantastic player and from what I have heard a decent guy too I hope something is done that allows him to return to the field.

 

[Logorrhea]

Haven't heard these rumors that this injury is career threating. Where did you hear this??

Here and every other fan forum.

His knee problems have been well documented of late, but the career ending bit is pure speculation.

 

[Jayatron]

Here and every other fan forum?? Still news to me lad. And i'm a member of a few forums and would have a few contacts concerning Ulster.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/9441343.stm

Nice video concerning Mr Ferris. If his career is over it will be a huge loss to Ulster. Massive.

 

[Peat]

I've heard from people with a fairly proven inside track record that he's done. I've also heard from people who've talked to the man himself that he expects to be back fine.

I am not sure which is going to be more accurate. Whatever way it happens, his career is going to be a short beast. He's going to need a knee replacement at some time and he intends to push it as far as he can before he needs one. I suspect if he does return, we'll see him wheeled out for HC, internationals, and enough ML games to keep him warm. I'd ban him from contact training too - if only for the good of the rest of the team...

I've got to say, this is not the first time the Irish rugby medical team have been left looking a bit silly recently by how much worse an injury's been than they've said.

 

[coonor]

Stephen Ferris

Very disappointed to be out of action for another while with my knee injury. Hopefully get it sorted once and for all tomorrow.

This is what Stephen Ferris has posted in twitter.