Having been sidelined with a catalogue of injuries since tasting defeat for his province in the Heineken Cup final, the talismanic back-rower has not featured for Ireland since the 30-9 RBS 6 Nations defeat to England back in April.

However, Ferris now feels that his knee, thumb and calf complaints can be forgotten, giving him a chance to add to his 35 caps this autumn.

The 26 year-old was optimistic of a September return to the fold for Ulster.

"I'm not sure if I'll make the first game but I should be available for the second or third matches of the new season,” he explained.

"All my injuries are very good. I have a few aches and pains – all the niggles that disappear when you're on holiday seem to come back again [in pre-season].

“My calf is definitely not a problem – I had two weeks off and then came back and rehabbed that. I also got my thumb operated on so that hopefully won't give me any hassle this season.

“I haven't squatted in nearly 18 months because of my knees but I've been back squatting in the last few weeks and I'm feeling strong and I'm getting back to where I used to be."