“Not again. Not again.”
You could hear the despair in the voices of Premier Sports commentators Mark Robson and Stephen Ferris as Will Addison lay on the Ravenhill pitch with his hands covering his face.
Ulster were in prime position to record another bonus point victory, and maintain their great start to the United Rugby Championship, when Addison suffered a freak injury that is set to sideline him for an extended period.
As Ulster went hunting their third try against the Lions, Addison was running over to get on the outside of David McCann. A Lions player fell off a tackle on McCann and skittled Addison as he hit the deck.
It was completely accidental and Addison would not have been bracing for impact. His ankle was trapped and the collision looked to have left him in real distress. Medics rushed on and identified the fullback’s ankle as being damaged.
Robson, who has been commentating on Ulster games for years, was crestfallen as the TV cameras cut to a gutted Addison on the deck.
Stephen Ferris had to retire at the age of 29 after persistent ankle issues. Up in the commentary booth, he emphatised with Addison. The former Sale Sharks star has shone for Ulster when able to string games together, but he has been plagued with injuries since 2019.
“Let’s hope it’s not a serious as everyone is thinking,” said Ferris, as Addison was being stretchered off, “and let’s hope he’s back in record speed time.”
Following the game, Ulster head coach Dan McFarland said the Addison injury ‘doesn’t look great’ and confirmed the Ireland international had headed to the hospital for a check on his leg. A further update will be issued in the coming days.
Mike Lowry replaced Addison and on Ulster pressed for victory. Their cause was aided greatly when Matty Rea crashed over from close range. The try-scoring bonus point was in the bag on 67 minutes when Nick Timoney powered over for his second try of the night.
The 24-10 victory puts Ulster top of the URC standings. Fans will now await news of Addison’s ankle injury and hope they can get him back for a sizeable portion of the season.
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