Ireland
Henry was 'preparing for the worst'
ESPN Staff
December 7, 2014
Chris Henry suffered a mini-stroke before the South Africa Test © Getty Images
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Ireland flanker Chris Henry said he was "preparing for the worst" after undergoing heart surgery following a mini-stroke before the Test match against South Africa.

Henry underwent surgery last week when a small hole was found in his heart after he lost strength in one arm and half of his face only hours before Ireland's match against the Springboks.

It was initially thought he was suffering from a severe migraine but after four days of treatment it became clear that Henry had endured a mini-stroke when the hole in his heart caused a blocked blood vessel in his brain.

"I was preparing for the worst at stages," he said. "The doctors have been able to get in there and fix the problem and for me to have that clarity, I feel so lucky. I was lucky to have such incredible medical expertise around me."

Henry has now set his sights on reclaiming his place by next year's World Cup, despite initial fears that he may never play again.

He said: "I think that's the realistic target. I want to be back by the end of the season. Whether that is pushing it too much, we'll just have to wait and see."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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