stephen ferris

Nicknamed ‘The Ferris Wheel’, rugby legend Stephen Ferris earned a reputation a one of Europe’s most physical players during his remarkable career. The retired Ulster, Ireland and British and Irish Lions back-row forward made 106 appearances for Ulster and 35 caps for Ireland, playing in all five games of Ireland’s Grand Slam success in 2009 and representing his national team in New Zealand at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. His pace, skill, strength and courage earned him respect from rugby fans in Ireland and beyond, and since retiring he is has been in demand as a public speaker telling his incredible stories from behind the scenes of the sport. His critically acclaimed autobiography, Man and Ball, was published in 2015.

Born in Maghaberry, Northern Ireland, Ferris joined Ulster at the beginning of the 2005–06 season after graduating from the Ulster Academy. By the time he went into the 2011–12 season, he shone on the European stage as Ulster bagged a memorable 41-7 victory over Leicester during the group stages of the Heineken Cup and his strong performances earned him a nomination for the ERC European Player of the year.

The rugby star’s international career kicked off against Pacific Islanders at the end of 2006, and in 2009 he was an ever-present during the Six Nations as Declan Kidney’s side stormed to victory in the Grand Slam. A standout player in the 2011 World Cup where he adopted his famous ‘wrap around’ tackle to stop Australia from getting quick ball, he went on to rack up 35 caps for his country. Injury forced his early retirement at the age of 28 in June 2014, but he remains an inspiration to those in his hometown of Ulster, and has earned the admiration and respect of fans across Ireland.