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.

The 28-year-old Ferris, who sustained the injury against Edinburgh in November 2012, has had two operations to correct the damage.

It is believed he is at present in explosive fitness mode and recording some of the best training stats of any Ulster player in recent times.

Throughout his rehab, provincial chiefs kept faith in the player by offering him consecutive short-term contracts to prove his fitness.