Rugby legend Michael Lynagh cleared to return home after stroke

Australian rugby legend due to fly back to London after stroke leaves him with damaged eyesite.

BRISBANE// Former Australian rugby captain Michael Lynagh is set to fly back to his home in London following a shock stroke which severely damaged his eyesight.

The 48-year-old, regarded as one of the sport's all-time greats, was rushed to hospital with headaches and blurred vision last month during a visit to Brisbane.

Tests revealed that he had suffered a rare and often fatal type of stroke caused by a blocked vertebral artery, which caused him to lose 45 per cent of the vision in his left eye.

The 72-times capped World Cup star confirmed on Twitter that he had been given the green light to return home this week by doctors, telling "I realise how lucky I have been".

"I have been given the all clear to fly home to London. I am hopeful that this will happen towards the end of next week," he tweeted.

Lynagh enjoyed a distinguished state career for Queensland during the 1980s and 90s, to go alongside his international achievements.

He skippered Australia from 1993 to 1995, and retired holding the world records for points scoring (911) and most conversions (140).