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Archie Griffin: Bath and Wales prop diagnosed with heart disease
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Archie Griffin: Bath and Wales prop diagnosed with heart disease

Griffin was ordered to rest completely for a few weeks before being cleared to return to full training with Bath as he recovers from a diagnosis which is not considered a permanent condition.

“At the time, I obviously didn’t know what it was,” Griffin said.

“After the match I had a lot of checks and found out what happened. I had to take a lot of medication.

“I had two weeks off, apart from walking my dog, before slowly returning to full training.

“I have to keep an eye on it. Symptom-wise, it’s something I’ll be monitoring. It’s a bit like a concussion.

“I will report any symptoms to the physios and I’m not going to lie because it’s my heart. You can’t take any risks.”

Griffin was chosen by Warren Gatland in his 35-man squad for Wales’ autumn international matches against Fiji, Australia and South Africa.

He linked up with Wales this week, alongside colleagues Keiron Assiratti and Henry Thomas, and hopes to feature in the opening match against Fiji on November 10 in Cardiff.

Griffin, who impressed on debut in Wales’ two Test defeats to Australia last summer, is just grateful to be back playing.

“It makes it clearer to me now that all I want to do is play rugby,” Griffin said.

“Not being able to do anything for two weeks shows that we shouldn’t take this for granted.”