Irish loosehead prop, Cian Healy doesn’t voice his excitement for any match with much fervour, however, the inherent thrill they bring is undeniably what fuels his spirit. The forthcoming duel with England could be another notch in his international career, moving him closer to surpassing his predecessors’ records. Healy stands just below Ronan O’Gara’s tally of 128 games and a little further from Brian O’Driscoll’s record-high of 133.
In the eyes of statisticians fixating on the exclusive club of Irish players who have reached 100 caps or more, Healy is akin to a modern-day Edmund Hillary contemplating a peak he’d rather not publicly acknowledge.
Despite the scale of legendary Lawrence Dallaglio’s legend, Healy avoids grand narratives. Instead, he insists he is focusing on maximising his time on the field, conceding that Andrew Porter, a prodigious powerhouse, deservedly hogs the limelight and game time.
When thrown questions, Healy tends to stick to brief and sometimes monosyllabic responses. His aura is that of a seasoned professional, having been hardened by 15 years of representing Ireland on the rugby field. His pragmatic and disciplined attitude has not only encouraged his recovery from injuries but has also helped maintain his relevance in the sport.
Healy doesn’t actively strive to surpass O’Driscoll’s legacy, but if health and circumstances allow, he might just inadvertently eclipse that record in the course of another year. However, he warns against pursuing such goals too zealously, as it could invite unforeseen problems.
He insists his pride comes more from the team’s achievements than individual milestones. He frequently asserts that, once he hangs up his boots, he’ll be retrospectively reviewing medals, not appearances.
Acknowledged. He is, however, nearing the record for the most appearances as a prop player in the world, only a few remain ahead of him including Australia’s James Slipper who is still active in the sport. He shares the count of 134 with retired Welsh player Gethin Jenkins, who retired in 2018. In total, 87 players in global rugby have earned 100 caps or over, with Keith Earls, who retired after the World Cup in the last year with 101 caps, is the latest Irish player to join the club of centurions.
The world record holder, the former captain and lock of Wales, Alun Wyn Jones, stepped away from the sport prior to the World Cup last year after earning 158 caps. However, Healy’s staunch resolve of carrying on at a steady pace has won him the trust of Andy Farrell while still keeping an eye on Michael Milne, who was asked to train with Irish team last year in response to the ongoing injury of Healy.
Milne, who scored twice for Leinster in Cardiff last week after recovering from an injury, was a member of the under-20 Irish team that clinched the Grand Slam at the 2019 Six Nations. Intriguingly enough, Healy was part of Ireland’s under-20 team that won the first Grand Slam in 2007, where the then Irish fullback was Felix Jones, who is now serving as England’s defence coach.
Cian Healy talks about his disappointment at the World Cup injury, this current Irish team and facing England.
Healy has had another year that required strict discipline and self-scrutiny to keep moving forward. He claims to have benefited from the experience, particularly the injury he sustained in Bayonne before the 2023 World Cup. He says he knows his body well, aware of his faster recovery rate and the necessary protocols he needs to follow during the process. His partner, Laura, often teases him about his self-centred behaviour during this time, which he admits was necessary and strangely a pleasurable period due to his diligence and personal accomplishments.
Cian Healy’s seemingly infinite energy might be a factor in setting him above Ronan O’Gara when it comes to international appearances. His family has been a notably comforting aspect of his evolving years, with his wife Laura and their children, Russell and Beau, becoming consistent figures in the post-match pitch scenarios.
Healy admits, “It’s enjoyable, a special moment I can share with them. When I was younger, I wouldn’t understand why players would bring their children to the pitch or locker room. I saw it as strictly a place of work.
“However, I’ve come to realise the significance of integrating family into the team dynamics. When I was about to finish the game, they’d come down the tunnel and wait for me. Laura was a bit upset as she missed my last few minutes on the field.”
The present is focused on Saturday’s match in Twickenham, where Healy is looking forward to the challenge of testing the England scrum’s foundational structures. His chances to match O’Gara’s record are still alive, and he has no intentions of letting it go. As far as preparation for the forthcoming year goes, it’s a continual journey.
“Yes,” Healy confirms, “I’m currently working on it.”