Ireland's Chris Henry has been ruled out of the South Africa game with a virus

Ireland flanker Chris Henry is facing an uncertain few weeks after it emerged that the suspected migraine he suffered was in fact a blocked blood vessel in his brain.

The Ulster forward was due to start Ireland's dramatic victory over South Africa but had to pull out after he began suffering from head pains on the morning of the game.

The medical team believed that he was suffering from migraines brought on by a viral illness but have now determined that Henry 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," the IRFU said in a statement.

His participation in next year's Six Nations defence is now in doubt as he expected to be out for a number of months.

Henry impressed as Ireland's regular openside flanker through last term's Six Nations-winning run, replacing the long-term injured Leinster back-rower Sean O'Brien.

With O'Brien again sidelined this term, the dogged Ulsterman was in line to continue his blossoming loose-forward partnership with Jamie Heaslip and Peter O'Mahony.

Rhys Ruddock claimed his first Ireland try against the Springboks, stepping in for Henry at the last minute two weeks ago.

The Leinster flanker, son of former Wales international Mike Ruddock, could now come back into contention to face Australia in Dublin on Saturday.

Ireland's injury update bulletin also confirmed Mike McCarthy suffered a concussion in Sunday's 49-7 victory over Georgia in Dublin, and the Leinster lock will now undergo the return to play protocols.

Centre Jared Payne will test out the progress on his foot sprain by running under observation on Monday afternoon - further evidence the Ulster back remains in contention to face the Wallabies.

Hooker Rory Best is now back to full fitness after calf trouble that sidelined him from the Springboks match, and the experienced front-rower could well now start from the off against Australia this weekend.

Online Editors