County Derry man playing international rugby in the Autumn internationals

Derry had a representative in the latest round of autumn international rugby fixtures.

While Ireland managed to earn their first win of the international period with victory over Argentina in the Aviva stadium following their opening defeat to New Zealand the weekend prior.

The Derry native would not feature in Andy Farrell’s side as he has been adopted by another nation following the residency rules that exist in rugby.

These rules allow you to play for another nation if you have lived in that country for five years; previously, it had been three years.

Stephen Ferguson would utilise this rule as he made his debut for the United Arab Emirates five years ago.

Since then, the former Faughanvale GAA and City of Derry Rugby player would have a vicissitude of fortune as he got knee surgery in 2022.

Ferguson believed he may never play rugby again yet alone earn his third and fourth caps for his adopted nation, but the county Derry man has defied expectation as he lined out first against Zimbabwe and Germany.

While the UAE would fail to taste victory in either of these fixtures, being on the pitch at international level again was Ferguson’s ‘biggest achievement’.

He said on an Instagram post: “After knee surgery in 2022 (145 kg), thinking I’d never play rugby again v 2024, to nearly the exact date, I get a 3rd cap for my adopted country (115 kg).

“It was a bitter pill to swallow back then, but I made peace with it. I had amazing support from my beautiful wife! She even had to shower me, and for that, I’ll be forever in her debt!

“I did my rehab, but it didn’t feel right; a few professionals said I was carrying too much weight through the knee. The mission started, but just to get back into physical shape. As the weight dropped, rugby was back on my mind. I spoke to a few guys who have retired, and they all said the same: ‘You’ll be a long time retired’. That’s all I needed to hear.

“There have been ups and downs along the way, but to be back playing in any capacity is the biggest achievement, let alone pulling on the UAE jersey again.”

Ferguson will return to club duty with the Dubai Exiles now following the narrow 26-20 defeat to Germany.

He will hope to continue his club form once again to earn a fifth cap for the UAE, with the country set for the third round of Asian qualifiers in 2025 for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Ferguson said: “Cap Number 4!

“It was incredible to be part of the @UAErugby national squad again and the first ever Autumn International Series for the country. We played Zimbabwe and Germany. Two great tests!

“Time for some rest now and then back at it in January!”

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