RORY BEST IS expected to return to rugby in mid to late January after undergoing surgery on his arm injury.
The Ireland hooker underwent the surgical procedure in Belfast this morning in order to stabilise the fracture he suffered in his right arm against New Zealand on Sunday. His recovery period hasn’t been given a specific number of weeks, but word that a January recovery is envisaged will be a boost for Joe Schmidt.
Ulster will be disappointed to have lost their inspirational hooker for the Heineken Cup double-header against Treviso next month, but Ireland will be hopeful of having their first-choice number two back in place for the Six Nations opener against Scotland on the 2nd of February.
Best has deservedly been receiving plaudits for the courage he showed in hitting a ruck against the All Blacks on Sunday after he had fractured his arm.
Meanwhile, there was another blow for Ulster with the news that Iain Henderson will miss up to six weeks with a hamstring tear. The 21-year-old had an MRI scan yesterday on the injury he picked up during Friday night’s win over Edinburgh in the RaboDirect Pro12.
Ireland coach Schmidt will be disappointed to have learned about this injury too, given that the young lock’s physical abilities would have made him strong contender for involvement in the Six Nations.
