Fears for Best ease as team tries to stay focused

FEARS for Ireland and Ulster rugby prop Simon Best eased last night after it was confirmed he should be able to return home within the next two days.

Specialists at Haut Leveque — one of France’s leading cardiology hospitals — have eliminated neurological problems as the source of his condition.

They believe the symptoms are related to a cardiac issue, allaying concerns he had suffered a stroke, but an exact diagnosis has yet to be determined.

Best, 29, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup, was rushed to Bordeaux’s Pellegrin Hospital on Wednesday evening after losing sensation down his right side.

He also complained of a mild head- ache and a difficulty in speaking and underwent a series of tests, including an MRI scan, an angiogram and a CT scan.

Best, who transferred hospitals yesterday morning, is comfortable and his symptoms have settled. He was joined by his wife Katie, who arrived in Bordeaux yesterday afternoon.

He will remain in hospital for further tests and doctors hope that he will return to Belfast within 24-48 hours.

Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan said: “This is very positive for Simon and we will continue to monitor his progress carefully.

“The care he has received so far has been excellent and team doctor Gary O’Driscoll has been with him throughout.”

Munster prop Tony Buckley has been called up to replace Best, who was named on the bench for Sunday’s clash with Argentina.

O’Sullivan said: “We have to get on with our preparations because the game is going to go ahead regardless of what happens.”