Heart problem rules Irish star out

Ireland prop Simon Best has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup after doctors diagnosed on Thursday that a cardiac problem led to a sudden loss of sensation down the right side of his body.

Best discovered he had no feeling, as well as a mild headache and difficulty in speaking, while walking in Bordeaux on Wednesday with teammate Paddy Wallace.

He was initially taken to the Pellegrin hospital in Bordeaux on Wednesday night.

Ireland team officials said he underwent several tests, including an MRI scan, an angiogram and a CT.

The tests were repeated on Thursday, and Best was moved to the nearby Haut Levque Hospital, which has a department for dealing with head injuries as well as cardiac specialists.

Ireland team officials told reporters they had been told by the specialists a cardiac problem appeared to be responsible for Best's condition rather than a head injury.

He is expected to leave hospital and return home within the next two days.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan said it was positive news.

"The care he has received so far has been excellent and team doctor Gary O'Driscoll has been with him throughout this," O'Sullivan said.

Best was due to be among the replacements in Ireland's must-win game against Argentina in Paris tomorrow.

After a 25-3 loss to France, the Irish have to beat Group D leaders Argentina and score at least four tries -- and deny the Pumas a bonus point -- to reach the last eight.

Bryan Young will take Best's place on the bench, while Ireland have called up Tony Buckley as a replacement.

The Munster prop will leave Ireland as soon as possible to join up with the squad.

Meanwhile, O'Sullivan announced that his team's two hookers, Best's brother Rory Best and Jerry Flannery, had both passed fitness tests.

He had decided Flannery would start and Rory Best would be on the bench.

"We did consider his brother Simon's condition when making that decision," O'Sullivan said.

"Rory is a incredibly mentally tough individual and was adamant that he wanted to be considered for selection," he said.

"We have no doubts that he will be ready if called upon," O'Sullivan said.