Ireland
Henry diagnosis reveals blocked blood vessel
ESPN Staff
November 17, 2014
Chris Henry was a late withdrawal from the Ireland side that defeated South Africa this month © Getty Images
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Ireland flanker Chris Henry's mystery injury has been revealed to be a blocked blood vessel, according to the Irish Rugby Union (IRFU). The Ulsterman will be out of rugby for some time as a result.

Henry was a late withdrawal from the Ireland side to face South Africa on November 8 with what was initially diagnosed by the Irish medical staff as a virus before suffering a migraine. Specialists have since determined the Ulster flanker suffered a more unusual condition. Henry was replaced by Rhys Ruddock for the South Africa clash and also sat out Sunday's victory over Georgia but now requires "further investigation and specialist opinion."

"Chris Henry suffered some weakness on the morning of the South Africa game and a viral illness was suspected, he recovered quickly and the initial diagnosis was of severe migraine," said the IRFU. "Further tests however have shown he suffered a temporary blockage of a small blood vessel in his brain. He is at home now and is well but needs further investigation and specialist opinion."

Henry, 30, has been capped 16 times by Ireland and started all five of Ireland's games in their victorious Six Nations campaign earlier this year.

Ireland have few new injury worries after the fixture against Georgia, although Mike McCarthy will undergo concussion protocols in the hope of facing Australia this weekend. Centre Jared Payne underwent tests on his foot on Monday afternoon, while his Ulster team-mate Rory Best is back to full fitness after missing the South Africa fixture with a calf injury.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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