Player’s ankle injury put strain on relationship

Retired Ireland rugby ace Stephen Ferris has revealed that his career-ending crocked ankle also put a strain on his relationship with long-term partner Laura McNally.

The former flanker, 28, was forced to announce his retirement from the game last month due to a persistent ankle problem.

“It was a bit of a relief to (Laura) that I retired, because all I was doing was moaning and complaining,” he said. “I would come home from training and sit with an ice pack on my ankle. We weren’t doing anything but managing the pain and that can put strain on a relationship.