Ferris set for return

FLANKER STEPHEN Ferris is set to make his from a serious injury during Ireland’s Rugby World Cup warm-up games next month.

Ferris was forced to sit out Ireland’s Six Nations campaign and the second half of Ulster’s season after undergoing his third knee operation.

However, he is back to full training and is hopeful of seeing some action in the build-up to Ireland’s RWC campaign.

“I've had some dark days but hopefully I'll be back in action in the next two to three weeks and will be involved in some Ireland games,” Ferris told the BBC. “It's been hard work but I feel like I'm fit to return."

He is hoping to push his case for selection in the back-row.

“Sean O'Brien has come in and taken his chance at number six, and is probably the best in his position in Europe at the moment, but I want to give Declan Kidney a selection headache.”

The Declan Kidney-coached side plays warm-up games against Scotland at Murrayfield on August 6 and France in Bordeaux the following week.

Ireland will play Australia, Italy, USA and Russia in RWC pool play.