But over the past two months the Ulster hardman has been the victim of three incidents of foul play – including eye-gouging – which have earnt the perpetrators a combined suspension of 100 weeks.

Stade Francais prop David Attoub was punished with a 70-week ban for eye-gouging, while club team-mate Julien Dupuy was give 23 weeks for the same offence in the same match.

Bath’s Danny Grewcock – a disciplinary hearing regular – then received a seven-week ban for stamping on Ferris’ arm last month.

The incidents have led to speculation about whether Ferris is being specifically targeted and why, but the 24-year-old sees no connection between the incidents.

“The Stade game was a case of two for one. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he said.

“I don’t know how to get under players’ skins, that’s for sure. I like to let my play do the talking. Maybe it’s done a bit out of respect.”

Ferris added: “I’ve played with a good few of the English lads out on the Lions tour.

“I know how they will play and there’s no doubt most of them will have respect for us, that’s for sure.”

English admiration may be guaranteed thanks to the presence of Ferris, Paul O’Connell and Brian O’Driscoll – among others – but restoring self-respect is high on Ireland’s agenda.

The champions saw their Grand Slam defence crumble with a 33-10 defeat in Paris nearly two weeks ago.

France were outstanding, but the manner in which Ireland were blown away exposed a worrying gulf in class and their Six Nations will unravel further should they succumb to England.

The loss at the Stade de France concluded a highly successful 12-match, 15-month run dating back to November 2008, so Ferris is unconcerned by one poor result.

“We were very disappointed and frustrated with how we performed in Paris,” he said. “We went over the videos last week just to see what we have to do better this week.

“We didn’t become a bad side overnight. It’s been easy to move on. We’ve got a lot of experience in the squad and we have all lost games in the past.

“For me, I have been fortunate enough in that I haven’t lost too many in the last 18 months.

“At Ulster there have been a lot of ups and downs over the years and I feel like I’ve dealt with those really well. A small blip like the France game should be fine with me.”

On Saturday Ferris will lock horns with a strong England back row of James Haskell, Lewis Moody and Nick Easter that the Test Lion holds in high regard.

“They are all fine players, no doubt about that. They are very good ball carriers,” said Ferris. “They get around the park very well. Nick Easter is a very good footballer and a great line-out option as well.

“There is no doubt that they are a very strong back row.

“Having said that, if we can perform like we have done in the past in our own back row then there shouldn’t be anything to worry about.”