It may be a while before we see either man back in action.
The 2017 Lions Tour has, in professional rugby terms, been relatively light on bad injuries. Of the six players to have suffered significant injury misfortune, two are Ireland stars – Jared Payne and Robbie Henshaw.
Henshaw is back in Ireland after damaging his pectoral muscle in a tour draw against Hurricanes. The Leinster and Ireland centre stayed for the Second Test victory over New Zealand but is back home and has already visited the Sport Surgery Clinic in Santry.
Speaking with the press in Queenstown, Lions team doctor Eanna Falvey says Henshaw tore his pectoral muscle off the bone. He told The Irish Times:
“The muscle needs to be reattached, and that’s usually about a 16-week recovery.”
While Henshaw will be targeting a Leinster return before Ireland’s November Series, the situation is less clear for Payne.
The 31-year-old has remained in Wellington to see specialists after suffering from migraine in the lead-up to that 31-31 draw with the Hurricanes. Falvey said:
“Jared had a bang in the Chiefs game (on June 20), but he was fully cleared from concussion.
“But he’s been struggling with migraines and that’s an independent process since then.”
Falvey says the specialist has been happy with Payne’s progress but the headaches have remained and there are some more ‘minor tests’ planned.
The Ulster centre will need to go through a complete, independent medical review and – much like All Blacks hooker Dane Coles – will not be permitted to train or play under medics are satisfied that he is safe to do so.
Stuart Hogg is back in Scotland after his cheekbone was broken in a tour win over Cruaders while England forward Billy Vunipola [shoulder] was ruled out of action before the squad flew out to New Zealand. George North and Ross Moriarty were also injured on tour.
