Ulster are hoping Ireland flanker Chris Henry can get "back to playing professional rugby" after undergoing surgery on Monday.

New Ulster manager Bryn Cunningham confirmed today that the backrower "went in for an operation yesterday" after being ruled out of Ireland's first autumn international against South Africa because of what was later confirmed to be a "temporary blockage of a small blood vessel in his brain".

The IRFU later confirmed the procedure was to “repair a defect in his heart wall,” adding: “This was found to be related to his recent episode and has been performed to prevent further issues.”

Henry was named in the side to face the Springboks on November 8th but replaced by Rhys Ruddock hours before kick-off after being taken ill.

Cunnngham added: “We’re waiting for the medical staff to give us an update.

“If he gets back to playing professional rugby that will be fantastic. That’s certainly what we are hoping for.”

Ulster chief executive Shane Logan added that the province is "more optimistic than we were a week or two ago . . . that he will make a full recovery and come back as quickly as possible."