IRELAND ARE BELIEVED to have concerns around Cian Healy’s recovery from neck surgery as the World Cup looms.
Though initial reports after the loosehead prop’s operation to remedy a disc problem in his neck were positive, it has now emerged that there are worries about whether Healy will recover in time to feature in the global tournament, which begins in September.
When contacted by The42, the IRFU stated that they do not comment on speculation and would instead give a full overview of the health of Joe Schmidt’s squad at a media briefing next Tuesday, 4 August.
It is believed that Ireland and Leinster’s medical teams, both of whom have been working on Healy’s rehabilitation, remain hopeful that the prop can make swift improvements in the coming weeks and prove his fitness in time for the World Cup.
Healy is set to take some part in Ireland training today and tomorrow as his rehab programme continues. Schmidt’s squad have an open training session at Musgrave Park in Cork tomorrow, where the sight of Healy on the pitch would perhaps ease some fears.
The42 understands the issue centres around Healy’s limited range of movement and feeling in one hand, with the front row having struggled to completely close his fist after undergoing surgery 11 weeks ago.
The prospect of losing Healy for the World Cup, and potentially longer, is a hugely unwelcome one for Ireland and worrying for Leinster too. Jack McGrath’s emergence in recent seasons is of course a comfort, but Healy at his best is a world-class player.
Connacht loosehead Denis Buckley was called into the Ireland training squad two weeks ago to provide cover as Healy continues his efforts to return to full health, while Munster’s Dave Kilcoyne and Leinster man Michael Bent were already part of the group.
who cares about the world cup. Just hope the lad can recover. Not being able to close your hand after neck surgery is incredibly worrying
Well said, there’s more to life than sport when serious injuries may effect you for the rest of your life
I’ll get the rosary beads out
Heard on the grapevine from guys involved in the Leinster set-up that he is now unlikely to be fit for the World Cup. Hoping it’s not true but obviously Healy’s long term recovery is priority.
Get well soon, always a shame if top players don’t make the WC due to injuries.
lucky that there is good depth at loose head with kilcoyne, Cronin , Buckley and bent would be more worrying if it was second row where cover is thread bare at the moment
or at 9, very little behind Murray
Hope Cian makes a full recovery whatever happens over the next few weeks..! His physical strength on the pitch is what sets him apart and would surely be missed. Everything crossed there’s still time. Could Joe hold him off until nearer the French game or does he have to be listed before the tournament begins?? Just wondering!
Either way all the best in the recovery I’d like to see him back on the rampage for the 6N come February!! COYBIG!!
Always seemed more interested in trying to make it as a DJ
Yeah Philip, I heard he was getting potentially dangerous neck disc surgery so he could spin the decks a bit better.
Despite the fact we have cover at LH, Healy, as one of the only truly world class players we have, would be a big loss, particularly in a group that’s bound to be heavy on the scrummaging.
He’s a very good at cleaning out rucks and a outstanding ball carrier but he struggles at a props primary junction: scrum, top teams always target him for been a weak scrummager and he rarely dominates him opposite number.
Examples please when was the last time he legally taken to cleaners at scrum time?
That’s such a weak argument and it may have been valid at the start of his career but Healy has improved immeasurably as his career has progressed. He has turned into an excellent scrummager, I can remember him giving Adam Jones a few tough matches and Jones is a renowned scrummager.
The red thumbs are well deserved for this comment
Sounds like Philip hasn’t watched much rugby in the last 2 years.
Philip, im going to dismiss all future comments from you regarding rugby on the 42 based on your analysis of Healys scrummaging and crude judgement of his injury rehabilitation!
James Cronin needs to come into this squad. With McGrath being a discipline concern he’s not the man you could trust. Hope Healy takes time and heals correctly. There is a bigger picture here for him and prob 2 more world cups in him
James Cronin is barely AIL level.
Yeah rite go the 42.ie of last November/December when they published an article ” does jack McGrath need a break” that was 10 weeks onto the season and he been screwed so much that the 42 deemed it worthy of his own article!
Philip give it a break with the Leinster hatred. We are going to a World Cup. McGrath is the second best loosehead we have.
Support Ireland ( that includes Leinster players or F off)
Chris I’ve the green goggles on for sure. Healy if out is done loss. But I’m not buying the McGrath hype that’s all. Also I think Cronin is the best to scrummage after Healy.
Jesus Philip always with the Leinster hate. Let’s see who Joe believes is a suitable replacement. He may ring you and ask you for your unbiased opinion all the same. Your brain may implode attempting that though.
See Brian here’s the thing. If one questions a selection of a Leinster player your lambasted and abused. It’s my opinion that Cronin is a better scrummager than McGrath. That McGrath has discipline issues. But if I post these here I’m biased, I’m bitter I’ve a chip on my shoulder. I don’t agree with McGrath as no.1.
Clickbait story.
He was always going to be rehabbing after his neck surgery and his availability was always questionable
You really don’t understand the term click bait, kudos on your up to date knowledge of every players injury status but his is the first I’m hearing of it
Best of luck with his rehab but we have sufficient cover now.
Not the player he once was, sadly. Like Ferris and SOB another power player appears to be heading from the scrap heap, a real shame.