RUGBY:MARCUS Horan should be back playing in the new year, perhaps even in January, after yesterday undergoing what an IRFU statement said was a "routine medical procedure" to correct an irregular heartbeat.

“The update regarding Marcus Horan is that it has been confirmed that he will not be available for the Guinness Series games in November,” read the statement. “Following further tests this week, Horan underwent a routine medical procedure today and will undergo a period of rest over the next number of weeks. It is expected he will be available to Munster and Ireland after the new year.”

His longtime frontrow colleague with Munster, Frankie Sheahan, underwent a similar procedure in June 2008 with the same doctor, Gerry Fahy. Sheahan was back playing at the start of the following season, and he has no doubt that not only will the procedure help to extend Horan’s career, but he will feel stronger and better than before.

– Gerry Thornley