Health concerns force Best to call time on career

IT seems only like the other day that the Irish World Cup squad in their hotel in Bordeaux heard that a potentially serious illness had befallen Simon Best, one of the most popular members of the entire party.

He had been strolling around the streets of Bordeaux with his friend Paddy Wallace when he complained of chest pains.

He was quickly diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat. Although soon out of danger, he has been undergoing constant monitoring to determine if he would be able to resume training at the highest level.