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BORDEAUX - Ireland prop Simon Best will miss the rest of the World Cup after being laid low by a mystery illness that French specialists now believe was probably a heart-related problem.
The 29-year-old was admitted to hospital on Wednesday evening after falling ill while walking around town in Bordeaux.
He is still in hospital and has been joined by his wife Katie but it is believed that he will be discharged in the next day or two.
Specialists have ruled out any fears that Best suffered a stroke.
An Ireland spokesman said: "Following further tests carried out on Ireland prop Simon Best, specialists have been able to rule out any neurological problems as the cause of his symptoms.
"Specialists now believe that the symptoms are related to a cardiac issue but an exact diagnosis of the problem has yet to be determined.
"Simon is comfortable and all his symptoms have been resolved and he has been joined by his wife Katie who arrived in Bordeaux this (Thursday) afternoon.
"He will remain in hospital for further tests and it is hoped that he will be able to return home in the next 24 - 48 hours."
Ireland Coach Eddie O'Sullivan had earlier in the day read out a statement on Best's condition with the coach looking emotional and on the brink of tears.
But after the latest developments he said: "This is very positive news for Simon and we will all continue to monitor his progress carefully.
"The care he has received so far has been excellent and team doctor Dr. Gary O'Driscoll has been with him throughout this."
Best's father is also due to join him in Bordeaux on Friday.
Best was admitted to Pellegrin hospital in Bordeaux on Wednesday night after developing a loss of sensation down his right side along with a mild headache and difficulty in speaking.
He remained in hospital overnight and had several investigations including an MRI scan and angiogram and a CT (scan).
These tests were repeated on Thursday morning, after which he was transfered to a specialist hospital at Haut-Leveque for further investigations.
Due to his illness he was immediately ruled out of the rest of the World Cup and has been replaced in the squad by Munster's Tony Buckley.
Best, who plays his club rugby for Belfast Harlequins and Ulster, had been named on the bench in the side to face Argentina on Sunday.
He has made 23 appearances for his country, including coming on as a substitute in all three games so far during the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Ireland have named Jerry Flannery at hooker for the Argentina match with Best's brother Rory on the bench after both players overcame injury problems to pass Thursday fitness tests.
O'Sullivan said: "We have named Rory Best on the bench for this weekend and while we did consider his brother Simon's condition when making that decision, Rory is an incredibly mentally tough individual and was adamant that he wanted to be considered for selection. We have no doubts that he will be ready if called upon."
Rory Best was Ireland's first choice hooker at the start of the World Cup before fracturing and dislocating his thumb against Georgia.
Flannery then replaced him in the 25-3 defeat to France last week.
Ireland need to win Sunday's match, score at least four tries to earn a bonus point and deny the Pumas a bonus point if they are to progress to the knock-out stages of the competition - unless Georgia cause a major upset in beating France.
O'Sullivan added: "We've got to deal with this and also the fact we've got a game on Sunday."
- AFP
