Best out for season with neck injury

ULSTER ARE desperately seeking a hooker after captain Rory Best was found to have a chronic disc condition in his neck which requires surgery. As a result, the Ulster and Irish hooker, who was part of last season’s Six Nations Grand Slam-winning side, will miss the entire 2009-10 season.

Following recent pain and subsequent medical investigation, it was discovered the 26-year-old is suffering from a bulging disc that required immediate attention.

He has been told recovery will be slow, and take between nine and 12 months.

The news has come as a surprise to the player, whose brother, international prop Simon was permanently forced out of rugby following a heart condition that was discovered during the Rugby World Cup in 2007 in France.

The hooker’s injury, which flared up in the last few weeks after he had returned from his honeymoon, means Ireland, too, must start thinking about who will replace him for the three-match autumn International series. Best captained the Irish team that toured North America this summer, having missed out on Lions selection.

His international partner, with whom he shares hooking duties, Jerry Flannery, is on the road to recovery after missing out on the Lions tour when he was injured in Pennyhill prior to the squad’s departure to South Africa.

While Flannery will not take part in any of Munster’s pre-season friendly matches, he is expected to be available for early-season matches in the Magners League.

Best and Flannery were listed in Irish coach Declan Kidney’s 37-man squad, which is due to train next week in Limerick.

“Obviously, losing Rory at the start of the season is a huge blow for us, not only is he our number one hooker, but also our captain and one of the most experienced players in the squad,” said Ulster’s operations director and former Ireland outhalf David Humphreys.

“However, what is most important is Rory’s long-term health and welfare and there’s no reason not to expect him to return fully to rugby, post-surgery and rehabilitation, next season.”

Ulster have contracted Andy Kyiacou, who was previously with Munster, and Nigel Brady. Stuart Philpott, who came through the Ulster Academy, is no longer part of the squad.

“The timing of this injury presents difficulties, as most players are contracted for the 09-10 season,” added Humphreys. “While we strengthened our hooking options this summer with the signing of Andy Kyriacou, we are working at present to find a replacement for Rory within world rugby.”

Best will undergo a medical review next week, but has been told surgery is the best option.