Ulster’s Ireland star Henry recovering after heart surgery

Ireland flanker Chris Henry underwent exploratory heart surgery this week as his medical team searched for reasons for his health scare on the eve of Ireland’s opening autumn international against South Africa on 8 November.

Henry underwent tests in Dublin at the time and it was thought he had suffered transient ischaemic attack (TIA), which is caused by a tiny clot that blocks a small blood vessel in the brain which temporarily hampers the blood flow.

On Monday, Henry underwent surgery to repair a defect in his heart wall. This was found to be related to his recent episode and has been performed to prevent further issues.