JOE SCHMIDT HAD had surgery to remove his appendix on Saturday night, hours after Ireland completed a November Series clean sweep by beating Australia.
The Ireland coach is said to be recovering well following the procedure in St Vincent’s Hospital.
Schmidt did not attend the post-match press conference after the 26-23 win and assistant Les Kiss revealed that he had been in “some pretty bad pain” during the day.
The New Zealander had taken his place in the stands as per usual but was sent to hospital not long after the final whistle.
An IRFU statement on Sunday morning read: “Following yesterday’s game against Australia, Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt was assessed by the match day doctors and was sent to St Vincent’s Hospital for further assessment.
“On Saturday night Joe had his appendix removed and is recovering well this morning.
“Joe would like to thank the doctors and nurses of St Vincent’s Hospital and everyone for their well wishes and kind messages of support.”
Originally published at 11.00
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