Ferris poised for return to action after long lay-off

Lions and Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris is poised to return to competitive action after a frustrating 15 month recovery from a serious ankle injury.

Ferris is in contention for a place in the Ulster squad to face the Scarlets in a re-arranged RaboDirect Pro12 clash at Ravenhill on Friday, March 14.

There is speculation that star back-row forward may feature in a hastily arranged Ulster Ravens game against Leinster at Belfast Harlequins’ Deramore Park ground on Monday.