STEPHEN FERRIS MAY have had his career cut short by injury, but the 28-year-old managed to pack many unforgettable moments into this time with Ulster and Ireland.
Incredibly explosive, with the top-end pace to match, Ferris was the type of athlete that we struggle to produce in big numbers on these shores. Alongside those physical capabilities was a strong understanding of the game and an ability to offload.
Offering powerful tackles, clever linking passes, timely reads in defence and superb ball-carrying, Ferris was undoubtedly world class at his peak. Here, we recall some of the memorable moments of his career.
The iconic choke tackle on Will Genia as Ireland beat Australia at the 2011 Rugby World Cup
Burning past Richie McCaw to score a try against the All Blacks in 2010
Knocking lumps out of Clermont in the Heineken Cup in 2011
His typically unstoppable run against the Scarlets in 2011
Showing his searing pace for the Lions in 2009, in a tour that was all too brief
The brilliant blockdown of Lionel Beauxis’s late drop goal effort to secure a 17-17 draw for Ireland in Paris in 2012
The teaser of a comeback against the Scarlets this season
What are your fondest memories of Stephen Ferris’ playing career?