Irish Rugby : Provincial Rugby : News : Ferris To Miss Remainder Of Season

IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne has issued a statement following confirmation of Ronan O'Gara's decision to retire from playing professional rugby.

Ronan O'Gara's retirement from professional rugby brings to an end an achievement-packed career that saw him dominate matches in Ireland and around the world in the colours of Cork Constitution, Munster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions.

IRFU provincial and national age grade coaches - Under-18s, Under-19s and Under-20s - and IRFU elite player development staff from the four provinces gathered recently to review their experiences, discuss challenges and align closer to ensure the development of more effective elite players across the IRFU Elite Player Pathway.

During that review, it was discovered that although Stephen Ferris had made excellent progress, some minor issues still remained. Those issues included function at the ankle continuing to cause pain.

Having considered all specialist medical opinions given, Ferris underwent further ankle surgery in Belfast yesterday during which fragments of bone were removed.

The 27-year-old forward will be out of rugby for another three months, but following this period he is expected to make a full and complete return to the game.