Six Nations
Ireland confirm Ferris absence
ESPNscrum Staff
January 28, 2011
Ireland's Stephen Ferris coasts in for a try, Ireland v Argentina, Lansdowne Road, Dublin, Ireland, November 28, 2010
The loss of Stephen Ferris will be a massive blow for Ireland © PA Photos
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Teams: Aironi | Ireland | Ulster

Stephen Ferris has been ruled out of Ireland's opening Six Nations match against Italy in Rome following consultation with a knee specialist.

The dynamic Ulster flanker was forced off with a cartilage injury in the second half of his province's Heineken Cup win over Aironi in Viadana last weekend. After the injury failed to respond to treatment, a specialist advised Ferris that although it did not require surgery further rest was needed, ruling him out of Ireland's opener next weekend.

Ferris' availability for Ireland's second round match against France remains in doubt, although he has yet to be ruled of the running for selection.

The Irish flanker had admitted on Friday night that he is almost certain to miss Ireland's opener at the Stadio Flaminio.

"It's now looking as though I'm going to miss the Italy game," the former British & Irish Lion told BBC Sport.

"I basically aggravated an old injury in my left knee in last week's game against Aironi. It was during a pushover scrum near the end of the game and I felt my knee go and a pile of bodies then ended up on top of me.

"It's very disappointing but I'm hoping to be back for the second game against France."

The news is a hammer blow to Ireland boss Declan Kidney, as it has already been confirmed that he will be without his first-choice No.8, Jamie Heaslip, for the clash with the Azzurri. Prop John Hayes and back-line stars Tommy Bowe, Shane Horgan, Andrew Trimble, Rob Kearney and Geordan Murphy have also already been ruled out through injury.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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