Heaslip Undergoes Second Back Operation In A Bid To Save His Rugby Career
All or nothing.
Ireland and Leinster number eight has been forced to undergo a second operation on his back in a bid to save his professional rugby career.
Heaslip has long been nicknamed the ‘Ironman’ due to his incredible injury-free record and durability, but at 33 years-old it seems all those games are finally catching up with him.
The Lions Test veteran hasn’t played since March 10th, a Six Nations encounter with Wales. The following week Heaslip was forced to withdraw in the warm-up to the England game, with what has now been identified as a complicated back problem.
The lower back problem diagnosed required a microdisectomy, defined as “a relatively reliable surgery for immediate, or nearly immediate, relief of sciatica from a lumbar herniated disc”.
The initial surgery however, didn’t quite work out, with Heaslip breaking back down in pre-season with Leinster. He now hopes this second op can save his career.
“Specifically, they have identified it,” said Girvan Dempsey about the exact problem earlier this week.
“They feel that are on top of it now and can get to the bottom of it and move on.“
A return date, if any, is unknown. Given his incredible service to both Leinster and Heaslip, whether you like him or not, the man deserves one last run. Here’s hoping he gets it.
