IRISH RUGBY LEGEND Cian Healy has returned to Leinster as an academy coach.

The 39-year-old, who is Ireland’s most-capped player of all time, retired from playing in 2025 and has been coaching with Clontarf in the All-Ireland League and Belvedere College in the schools game since.

Healy has now joined Leinster in a full-time role as an elite player development officer, working with the province’s most promising young players.

The 137-times capped former Ireland loosehead prop was part of Leinster’s match day coaching team for last weekend’s impressive URC win over Connacht, with Healy filling in for contact skills coach Seán O’Brien, who was on leave after the birth of his daughter.

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said it has been great to have Healy back in Leinster since he started his role last month.

“Cian is in the building with us now, which is fantastic,” said Cullen on Friday after his side’s win over Connacht.

“He’s been brilliant, just a great mindset. He actually presented Alex [Mullan] with his first cap there, so it was a lovely moment as well.

“He’s a brilliant individual, Cian. He’s obviously been doing a bit of coaching with Clontarf and Belvedere school, so it’s brilliant to have him on board.

“Him and Robin [McBryde, Leinster's forwards coach] would have a very good relationship as well.

“I thought the young front-rowers were really excellent tonight, in terms of a lot of people were asking that question beforehand. Really positive.”