Common sense prevailed yesterday as Ulster’s Stephen Ferris was withdrawn from Ireland’s summer tour to New Zealand. Leinster back row forward Kevin McLaughlin will travel in Ferris’ place. Despite only featuring in four PRO12 matches for Ulster this season Ferris did appear in all nine Heineken Cup games and notched up 11 outings for Ireland appearing for an average 73 minutes in each game. Not bad for a player with dodgy knees, but the big man needs a bit of R&R over the summer to ensure he is fully fit for next season.
The tour now features five Ulster players in Darren Cave, Andrew Trimble, Rory Best, Declan Fitzpatrick, and Dan Tuohy all included for the trip with Chris Henry expected to be added to the touring squad following satisfactory fitness reports.
While the results of the tour may be considered a foregone conclusion, with a 3 – 0 whitewash expected, the games may contain some interest for Ulster fans if Darren Cave and Declan Fitzpatrick get a start. If Fitzptrick get’s himself fit and both he and Cave play to their potential the tour could be regarded as one of Ireland’s most successful summer . . .
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