Blues halfback and former All Black Piri Weepu is likely to require heart surgery, after suffering a minor stroke three weeks ago.
Piri Weepu played in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Photo: AFP
Evidence of the stroke was discovered this week when the 30-year-old rugby player had an MRI scan after complaining for several weeks of migraine-like symptoms and had speech problems.
Test results that came back on Friday have shown that Weepu, as thought, has a small hole in his heart which probably caused the clot on his brain.
A Blues spokesperson says Weepu's case will be considered by specialists next week but it's possible he may need minor surgery to correct the heart defect after further tests.
He says the 71-test veteran and 2011 World Cup winner is expected to make a full recovery and return to rugby quickly.
