Listen to the full interview via the podcast
Alas, it was not to be. Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris had battled back in an attempt to resume his rugby career but today it was confirmed that the ex-Ireland international has had leave the game at the age of 28.
We will be talking to Ferris about his decision on tomorrow's show but tonight we spoke to his former team-mate Bryn Cunningham who detailed the efforts made by Ferris in his fight to return to the field following an ankle injury.
"He was never quite right and it gets to a point with the player and with the medical staff. They both came to the conclusion that there was no way he was going to get back close to full fitness. So it's very frustrating for him and he's very emotional about it when he made the final decision about it. It's a real loss for everybody," said Cunnignham, who admitted that the initial ankle injury was not necessarily seen as career-ending.
But from a quality of life perspective, Cunningham believes he has made the right call with later life in mind.
He also detailed what it was like to play against the talented flanker and his "explosive power".
Bryn also explained why more recent generations of players will be unable to match the longevity of their fore-bearers due to the increasingly attritional nature of the game, and what Ferris' plans are for the future.
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