Cian Eoin James Healy, born on October 7, 1987, is an Irish professional rugby union player known for his role as a prop. Healy currently plays for the United Rugby Championship club Leinster and represents the Ireland national team.
He made his debut for Leinster at the age of 19 during the 2006-07 season against Border Reivers, coming off the bench. In the 2008-09 season, Healy became the first-choice prop for Leinster and played a crucial part in their success, including the team's victory in the 2009 Heineken Cup against Leicester Tigers.
At the age of 23, Healy was instrumental in Leinster's triumph in the 2011 Heineken Cup Final against Northampton Saints, followed by another Heineken Cup win the following season against Ulster. Despite facing various injuries that almost led to his retirement in 2015, Healy made a remarkable comeback and regained his position as the first-choice prop for Leinster in the 2017-2018 season. During this season, he played a pivotal role in Leinster's fourth European Cup victory against Racing 92 and their Pro14 triumph against the Scarlets.
Healy joins an elite group of players, including his teammates Devin Toner, Johnny Sexton, and Isa Nacewa, who have won the European Cup four times.
On the international stage, Healy represented Ireland in both the Ireland A team and the senior national team. He was part of the Ireland A side that won the 2009 Churchill Cup against England Saxons and made his international debut in November 2009 in a test against Australia at Croke Park. Healy received praise from coach Declan Kidney for his performance. He went on to participate in the Six Nations Championship, making his debut against Italy and featuring in matches against France, England, and Wales. Healy was named Man of the Match in a bruising encounter when Ireland defeated Australia at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
In 2013, Healy faced disciplinary action and received a three-week suspension for stamping on the ankle of opponent player Dan Cole during Ireland's match against England in the Six Nations Championship. Healy was a key member of the Ireland team that secured the Grand Slam victory in the 2017-2018 Six Nations, starting in four of the five games, including the decider against England in Twickenham. He reached a significant milestone in the 2020 Six Nations, scoring a try against France and earning his 100th cap for Ireland.
Off the field, Healy has displayed his artistic side by painting portraits of fellow rugby players. He is also a DJ, going by the name DJ Church, and has performed at events such as Oxegen 2010 and Oxegen 2011 in the Electric Ballroom with his band partner DJ Gordo. Healy's rugby career began at Clontarf RFC, where his impressive form led to his progression through the Leinster age-group system before making his senior debut for Leinster in 2007. He has established himself as an integral part of Ireland's squad, known for his dominant scrummaging, work rate, and ball-carrying ability. Despite facing injuries, Healy remains determined to regain his previous form and reach the heights that established him as one of the best props in the game.
Throughout his career, Healy has accumulated an impressive record with 81 test caps for Ireland, along with 191 appearances and 22 tries for Leinster. He signed a contract extension with Leinster until the end of the 2020/21 season and has consistently performed at a high level in both domestic and international competitions, including winning the Champions Cup and Pro14 titles with Leinster. In October 2020, Healy became the sixth Irishman to achieve 100 test appearances, further solidifying his status as a rugby legend.
KG(29/06/2023)
Career
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Leinster Rugby Loosehead Prop |
2007 - present |
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Ireland A Loosehead Prop |
2022 - present |
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British & Irish Lions Loosehead Prop |
2013 - 2021 |
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Clontarf RFC Loosehead Prop |
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Belvedere College Loosehead Prop |
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Ireland Loosehead Prop |
2009 - 2023 |
