The 28-year-old Lions and Ireland flanker has not played for more than a year since picking up the last of a litany of injuries, against Edinburgh in November 2012. Ferris signed a six-month contract at the end of last season in order that Ulster Rugby could gauge his progress following surgery to correct ruptured ankle ligaments.

It is yet unsure the length of the new contract, which could be for a further three months or up to the end of the current season.

Ferris has endured horrendous times with shoulder and knee injuries as well, but his dedication to rehabilitation will hopefully pay off so that he can pull the boots on again.

Meanwhile, Ireland flanker Chris Henry and Kiwi number eight Nick Williams are set to return to the Ulster line-up for Friday’s clash against Munster at Ravenhill. International forward Iain Henderson is also likely to be involved in some capacity after recovering from a hamstring problem.

Williams, the former Munster forward who has had a glut of injury problems this season, says that watching Ferris’s singlemindedness in an attempt to get back playing is an inspiration.

“I always use Stevie Ferris as an eye opener. You come in the changing room and you’re a bit upset about being injured, then he puts it into perspective. You can’t do anything about it, you just need to try and get back as quickly as possible.

“You can do all the running of the pitch, but match fitness is totally difference, our trainers and physios are well qualified to know what type of training we need to do, be it on the pitch or in the gym. However, nothing can get you ready for the footy game on the paddock. I’m just happy to be available for selection this week.

“It will a good dress rehearsal for Europe to play against Munster. However, we haven’t looked further than Munster, we know the pain and hurt of losing in the fashion that we did in Dublin and it was nowhere near our standards.”