South African-born Ireland hooker Richardt Strauss has been ruled out for the rest of the season because of a heart condition that will require surgery.
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The 27-year-old Leinster front row forward, who is the cousin of Springbok hooker Adriaan Strauss, is confidently expected to make a complete recovery, but will be forced to rest for the remainder of the 2013/14 campaign.
“Following the result of extensive medical tests, it has emerged that Ireland hooker Richardt Strauss has been diagnosed with a heart condition and will be unavailable for the for selection for the remainder of the season,” said a Leinster statement.
“The management are confident that the 27-year-old, who is set to undergo surgery this week, will make a full recovery and will provide him with the best care in his recovery.”
To add to the worries of the three-time winners, and reigning Challenge Cup champions, ahead of their European Cup opener against Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday new Australian recruit Lote Tuqiri has been ruled out of the game with a hamstring strain, while Brian O’Driscoll is only rated as 50/50 to recover from his calf injury.
O’Driscoll will continue to receive treatment from the medical team through to Friday’s lunch time team announcement, which could include new signing Zane Kirchner for the first time.
The Springbok fullback linked up with his new team mates this week after completing his international obligations in the Rugby Championship.