Ferris returns as French continue ‘effective’ Ireland baiting

BACK from injury and looking “big, strong and fit,” Stephen Ferris last night gave Ireland a massive Six Nations boost by presenting himself for duty ahead of tomorrow’s Stade de France rendezvous with France.

Ferris’s return for his first piece of competitive action since Ulster’s Heineken Cup clash with Bath last month means Kevin McLoughlin is the unlucky man to lose out on a starting and squad place – though the Irish management insisted yesterday he made his mark against the Italians.

Irish manager Paul McNaughton and forwards coach Gert Smal insisted: “He was outstanding and it’s nice to have these choices going into the future.” said McNaughton. “(But) Stephen is a top player, he is a Lion, he ran really well in training this week and is looking big, strong and fit.”