Schmidt braves possible appendicitis as rugby fans celebrate Irish victory
WHILE the country celebrated a magnificent win over Australia, Ireland’s head coach Joe Schmidt was whisked away for medical treatment.
After the final whistle it emerged that Schmidt was suffering from suspected appendicitis throughout the 26-23 win over Australia in the Aviva stadium.
The IRFU said that the 49year-old coach ‘manned up’ to oversee his team’s victory after suffering from symptoms earlier in the day.
‘He really manned up today,’ said an IRFU spokesman. ‘It was touch and go at one stage during the day. He is off to get some tests done this evening.’
Schmidt showed his usual sternness on the sidelines and did not portray any sign that he was in distress, but almost immediately after the final whistle he was taken for tests in the Aviva stadium’s medical centre.
Assistant coach Les Kiss spoke to the media in Schmidt’s absence and confirmed that the coach had ‘toughed out’ the 80 minutes of the game after being treated before the match, but needed to go for further treatment after the match.
Man of the match and captain Paul O’Connell said the players knew that their coach was under the weather this morning. ‘The guys were aware he was sick. He was kind of stand-offish,’ he said.
‘I suppose he was worried about passing on something he had. But if we hadn’t been told, I don’t think anybody would have known. That’s his attitude.’
Several fans took to Twitter to wish the former Leinster coach well, with many marvelling at his strength.
‘Can’t believe that Joe Schmidt suffered through the pain of appendicitis all day his appendix could’ve burst like #dedication,’ wrote one fan under the name McKenzie
Clar Ní Fhearail tweeted: ‘Unreal Joe Schmidt stayed throughout the game whilst suffering from appendicitis, now been taken to hospital, quite incredible.’