ULSTER, Ireland and British and Irish Lions hero Stephen Ferris, whose career was so cruelly dashed by injury, has a new outlet for his 'driving' after being named as brand ambassador for Mervyn Stewart Skoda.
His first engagement for the Belfast dealer was a breakfast Q&A session, giving guests and customers his insights on rugby.
Mervyn Stewart is a well-known family-run business, which has operated in Belfast for more than 50 years.
Managing director Stephen Stewart said Ferris had been a long-term supporter of the Skoda brand.
"On the pitch Stephen had amazing energy, strength and total commitment to excellence and that makes him a great fit for our team," said Mr Stewart.
"Injury may have forced an early retirement from the pitch but Stephen's career continues to thrive, establishing himself as a straight-talking, no-nonsense pundit in the commentary box.
"Stephen's workload is never-ending - the Six Nations is around the corner - but he always makes time to pop into the showroom for a browse and a chat with our staff."
Ferris said he had owned several Skodas already.
"I love my cars, so when I heard I'll get to try out the exciting new range as it comes in I signed up straight away," he said.
"A modern design, reliable, safe, efficient and competitively priced - that's what I look for in a car.
"I've always had a great relationship with Mervyn Stewart Skoda and never thought twice about changing from what I like and trust.
"During my playing career I didn't accept being second best so I would not associate myself with a brand that I didn't believe in."
And for the record, Ferris has recently swapped his Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI vRS for a new Superb 2.0 SEL Executive…
