Advertisement
Church

Ireland's Cian Healy in World Cup doubt after neck disc surgery

Leinster coach Matt O’Connor is hopeful that Healy will recover in time to play in the global tournament.

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.

Cian Healy tackled by Dave Attwood Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

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.”

Munster’s new All Blacks signing provided a delicious assist for this try

The Melbourne Rebels Twitter account really enjoyed a former Leinster hooker’s big break earlier

Your Voice
Readers Comments
25
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.