Rugby:The injury problems that have blighted Ireland's preparations for the November test series continued tonight as Ulster's Stephen Ferris limped out of their Rabo Pro12 match against Edinburgh at Ravenhill. The Ireland blindside, who had been struggling with a back injury in recent weeks, had been released from the Ireland camp to gain some much-needed match time ahead of next weekend's meeting with South Africa.

But Ferris had to be helped from the field just after halftime after appearing to pick up an ankle injury. The backrow had jarred the ankle moments earlier and when it gave way again under a heavy challenge Ferris rose gingerly to his feet before being assisted off the pitch.

While the extent of the injury is not known at this stage, his absence would be another major concern for Ireland coach Declan Kidney who has seen his squad ravaged by injury as he attempts to prepare for the matches against the Springboks, Fiji and Argentina.

Rory Best and Brian O’Driscoll were the latest victims during the week while the likes of Ronan O’Gara, Paul O’Connell, Cian Healy and Keith Earls have all been carrying injuries at the training camp in Co Kildare.