Former Wallaby fly-half Lynagh stable after suffering from a stroke

Brisbane: Still appearing fit after retiring nearly two decades ago from a rugby career that included a World Cup victory and 72 tests for Australia, 48-year-old Michael Lynagh was hardly in the high-risk category for a stroke.

But the former Wallaby fly-half and one of the most well-liked players — by teammates and rivals alike — was recovering in a Brisbane hospital after being admitted complaining of headaches and blurred vision. Lynagh was in a stable condition yesterday as doctors attempted to determine what caused the stroke while he was dining with friends on Monday.

Lynagh recently arrived back in his hometown of Brisbane from London, where he lives after having forged a successful post-rugby career in marketing consulting and as a television analyst.

While DVT (deep-vein thrombosis) complications from the 22-hour flight from England via Singapore for a school reunion were at first thought to be a possible cause, his family asked the hospital not to provide details of his illness. Yesterday, he was scheduled to undergo an MRI.

Lynagh was reported in several Australian newspapers to have recovered well enough to be walking around his hospital room, although others suggested he may have lost some vision in his left eye and that generally, the left side of his body had been affected by the stroke.

Former players and other sportspeople have been paying tribute to Lynagh.

South Africa great Victor Matfield tweeted: "Thinking of Michael Lynagh and his family. Just show we must live everyday to the fullest."

Ireland flyhalf Ronan O'Gara said on Twitter his "thoughts and prayers with Michael Lynagh and his family tonight. Wishing him a speedy recovery."

Former England players Mike Tindall, Richard Hill and Austin Healey also sent along their wishes, as did former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan, whose tweet included a hashtag followed by the word "legend".