Hole in Weepu's heart - tests

Wellington - All Black scrumhalf Piri Weepu has undergone tests that indicate a small hole in his heart which likely contributed to the minor stroke he suffered earlier this month.

Medical staff at Weepu's Blues Super Rugby team said Weepu would be assessed by specialists who will decide whether he should undergo surgery to correct the defect. They said the 71-Test veteran would likely be able to play again after a period of convalescence.

Blues doctor Steven Kara said Weepu's "long-term playing future looks pretty good, but in the short term he has to take a brief stint on the sidelines to ensure risk is minimised as much as we can."

Weepu suffered a minor stroke, probably around March 1, which went undiagnosed until he had an MRI scan earlier this week.