Injured Ferris out until New Year

STEPHEN FERRIS is out of action until the New Year following an operation on damaged hand ligaments on Monday.

The Ulster and Ireland flanker, who can play both in the open and blindside positions, will be out of action for four to six weeks. Ferris picked up the injury during Saturday’s Magners League match against Leinster at Ravenhill. After a scan on Sunday, he underwent an operation on Monday to repair ligament damage.

Ferris won his first Ireland A cap against Australia on November 15 and this was quickly followed by first full senior cap against the Pacific Islands on November 26.