Prop Simon Best is seeing a cardiac specialist in Dublin today, just six days after a series of symptoms forced him to be hospitalised in Bordeaux and brought an end to his World Cup campaign with Ireland.

Best, the former Ulster captain, was worryingly rushed to hospital last Wednesday after complaining of a loss of sensation down his right side, along with a mild headache and a difficulty in speaking.

A series of tests were carried out on Best and after being transferred to the Haut Leveque Hospital in Bordeaux, he was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat. Cleared to travel home yesterday, the 29-year-old arrived back on Irish soil on a later flight to that of the Irish World Cup squad.

Asked about immediate future in rugby, Best told reporters: "I will wait until after my appointment with the specialist before making any decisions on my future. I am just relieved to be back home and it is hard to know at this stage to what extent my rugby career will be affected.

"I am just pleased that my heart has settled down and I have been able to travel home."