IRELAND AND LEINSTER prop Cian Healy underwent a neck operation this afternoon to remedy a disc problem.
Leinster say they are unsure of the timeframe for the loosehead’s recovery and Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt will therefore be waiting anxiously as the World Cup looms.
Matt O’Connor, the Leinster head coach, says the operation went well for Healy and that the surgeon was content with the outcome.
“Cian Healy had neck surgery this afternoon,” said O’Connor at the RDS after his side’s win over Treviso. “He saw the specialist yesterday afternoon and had his disc repaired this evening and he’s recovering very well. The surgeon is happy with how it went.
Asked if there was a specific timeframe for Healy’s recovery, O’Connor said:
“There isn’t, they’re pretty optimistic. They’ll wait and see how he pulls up post-surgery and he’ll start his rehab. But the surgeon was very happy with it.”
Healy missed a large part of the season after hamstring surgery in September, making his comeback during Ireland’s victorious Six Nations campaign. This latest setback will lead to doubts over his World Cup involvement, but O’Connor is hopeful Healy will recover in time to take part.
It’s one of those things that it shouldn’t be an issue, but you’ll just have to wait and see how he progresses post-surgery,” said O’Connor.
“He saw the specialist yesterday afternoon and the specialist was pretty concerned that there was a tight timescale relative to nerves and that part being pretty significant. So they went in and did it today.
“It was just a disc repair in his neck. The surgery was straightforward and the surgeon was happy so he should make a full recovery.”
B@llox
Most of the injuries/surgeries are happening now because of the World Cup, Leinster are out of everything so Sean Cronin etc may as well go under the knife. All these lads will be in tip top shape come sept. Healy however is a worry, if he is missing, well, it’s a massive blow.
Leinsters poor season could be a blessing in disguise for the national team. Out of the running for champions cup and pro12 has allowed players like Healy and Fitzgerald to have surgery earlier than if they played through the pain barrier to win trophies. Small consolation for Leinster supporters I suppose but heres hoping both players are in tip top shape come world cup time!
Ahh FFS why are we getting all these injuries in a World Cup year? :(
Perhaps because we don’t build up to a World Cup. We alway seem to be in the middle of a cycle. This one looks more encouraging than the rest though.
As long as a David Wallace situation isn’t repeated, I’ll live with players getting surgeries done now. Man, Wallace’s face during that tackle still haunts me.
Hopefully someone else will put their hand up. Losing Healy is a big loss.
McGrath stood up during the 6 nations and if Healys not fit McGrath will stand in again.
Had a better 6 nations than Healy anyway.?
Hurts me to say but Healy hasn’t been the same since ankle injury on the lions tour.
McGrath is the incumbent for Ireland anyway, be grand
Dude has crazy healing. He’ll play the World Cup. But he will have some work ahead of him. Best of luck.
If Healy doesn’t make it then I’d like to see Denis Buckley get chance to make match day squad.
Healy will play!! He sounds confident in his update today! C’mon the bullock
It was done now to avoid nerve damage and allow time for recovery before the World Cup…
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Get better asap Cian, we need you.
All the best mate.
Healy hasn’t performed since he came back from injury. James Cronin to step up
cronin seems to have bee injured just as much as Healy and hasnt done a huge amount when he’s been around. I’d like to see buckley in there with McGrath
James Cronin is the man. Toughest man in Ireland in the front row. And unlike McGrath he can scrummage! Yes a big loss but it’s good to know that theirs a viable replacement!
Healy is the toughest man in ireland in the front row, mind your language! I still smile at that sneaky box he gave Warburton when binding in a scrum against Wales in joes first year ☺. But I do agree with ya Phil that cronin is a very good player, nasty edge to him which is what you want in your pack. Would also like to see Buckley travel as 3rd loose head if healy doesn’t make it
Healy obviously didn’t poke Sam Warburton in the eye on purpose. Not exactly something a tough man should be doing is it?
What?
RTÉ say hes not a doubt. Which do we believe?
A huge loss 2 years ago but now I think we have 3 players that are as good as him. He’s still 1st choice. Best of luck Church
Totally agree, Healy obviously first choice but now well catered for in that department with McGrath, Cronin, kilcoyne and Buckley. So not the massive loss it would have been a few seasons back.
My cat is sick
H