Long live the horse indeed.
It’s still hard to come to terms with the news that Stephen Ferris had to retire from professional rugby earlier this week. Although he had been dogged by injury problems for some time, he is still only 28 and it is a shame that Ulster and Irish fans will never get to see a repeat of the beast-like displays he produced in both jerseys over the years.
Ferris’ Ulster team-mates have been paying tribute to the big man on Twitter since the news was announced, with most of them accompanying the tributes with pictures of Ferris that they happen to have in their collection, some of them flattering, some of them not so flattering.
We particularly like Paddy Jackson’s effort (see first tweet below) and yes, to answer your inevitable question, that is a bottle of Buckfast at the front of the shot.
All the best in your retirement Stephen, you’ll be sorely missed.
Long live the Horse!!!!…@StephenFerris6 pic.twitter.com/NuNymEEQTN
— Paddy Jackson (@paddyjackson10) June 4, 2014
Can’t do @StephenFerris6 the player or the person justice in 140 characters but these pics show what I think of him pic.twitter.com/iyWkzM14SL
— Darren Cave (@darrencave13) June 4, 2014
Very lucky to have played with the wrecking ball @StephenFerris6. He has had a massive influence on my career & some very special times..
— Chris Henry (@chrishenry678) June 4, 2014
@StephenFerris6 here’s few of my favourite pics! All the best from Argentina mate pic.twitter.com/a3r6G9yL3Z — Chris Henry (@chrishenry678) June 4, 2014
Sad news today about big man @StephenFerris6 Privilege playing with you, even better getting to know you as a bloke! pic.twitter.com/BJYtKZaqYh
— sean doyle (@seankdoyle) June 3, 2014
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!