Ireland rugby star suffered brain haemorrhage in training aged just 26

17 February 2023 , 14:49

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Kathryn Dane suffered the terrifying brain haemorrhage just before Christmas (Image: Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Female Irish rugby player Kathryn Dane has disclosed on social media that she suffered a terrifying brain haemorrhage at training.

Scrum-half Dane was working out in the IRFU High Performance Gym at Abbotstown last November when she fell ill. The men's international medical team were on hand to provide immediate treatment before she was transported to hospital.

She took to social media to reveal what exactly happened during the frightening ordeal. "Three months ago I suffered a brain haemorrhage at Ireland training," the 26-year-old posted.

"I hope to make a full recovery and return to work and rugby, but it will take some time."

Dane made her journey towards professional rugby after the choosing the sport over hockey and football as a teenager - in which she represented Northern Ireland at under-age levels.

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The Fermanagh player, who also works as a physiotherapist in Dublin, made her debut for the national side at the 2019 Six Nations after impressing for Ulster and Old Belvedere. Dane has since blossomed into an integral part of the Ireland team over the past four years, earning 29 caps for her country.

But she is now on indefinite leave from the IRFU and is gutted to be spending time on the sidelines as she recovers. "Luckily the IRFU medical team were close at hand to respond immediately and get me the care I needed," Dane added. "Thank you to the IRFU, Connolly and Beaumont Hospitals, Rugby Players Ireland and my family and friends for the love and support. For now I will be Ireland's biggest fan."

The scrum-half is set for an extended spell on the sidelines (ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Irish Rugby took to Twitter to wish Dane the best with her recovery and hope to see her back in a green jersey soon. "We're all behind you as you make your way back to full health, we hope to see you back in a green jersey again soon!," they wrote.

This was followed by several more well wishes for the rugby star, as Leinster star Jenny Murphy hailed: "So proud of this Great Dane. She has handled this with such strength, honesty, and humour."

Ireland and Ulster ace Ian Madigan said: "Speedy recovery Kathryn," while Republic of Ireland football international Katie McCabe wrote: "Wishing you all the best in your recovery." And ex-Ireland and Leinster hooker Sean Cronin said on Twitter: "Hope you’re on the mend Kathryn, all the best with recovery, Sean."

Liam Llewellyn