Cian Healy, an Ireland prop, aspires to continue his record-breaking international career into the 2025 Guinness Six Nations.
On Saturday, veteran loosehead Healy became his country’s all-time most-capped player, overtaking Brian O’Driscoll by making his 134th Test appearance in a 22-19 victory against Australia in Dublin.
Ireland’s Six Nations title defence begins on Saturday, February 1, at home against England, with interim coach Simon Easterby overseeing the team while Andy Farrell is away with the British and Irish Lions.
“I’m not driven by the number of caps,” Healy stated. “It’s not something that motivates me as much as winning, success with the squad, and winning trophies.
“Please God now I can keep playing and don’t get injured or anything like that and Simon might consider me for the Six Nations.”
Team Logo Match Summary
Team Logo 1 Penalties 4 3 Tries 1 2 Conversions 1 0 Drop Goals 0 140 Carries 104
There were 4 line breaks, 23 turnovers (16 lost), 3 wins, and 8 losses.
Healy, dubbed ‘Church’ by his teammates, made his debut against the Wallabies 15 years ago and has helped Ireland win five Six Nations titles.
When Hozier replaced Andrew Porter in the 67th minute, his song Take Me to Church was played over the public address system to a euphoric ovation from the capacity audience, which included O’Driscoll.
Healy was so concentrated on helping Ireland overcome a 19-15 deficit that he didn’t notice the song choice and went straight into a scrum.
“I got a vibe from the roar all right, it perked me up a little bit,” he went on.
“I was in for a scrum and was thinking about what I had to do, but it was a lovely moment. I enjoyed it.
“(I’m) very happy we got a win on the occasion and I got a few things right when I was on, so that’s pretty pleasing.”
Healy was presented with his milestone cap by Irish Rugby Football Union president Declan Madden at the end of the week, while teammates watched video of his debut and former Ireland fly-half Ollie Campbell handed out commemorative jerseys to the team to commemorate 150 years of Irish rugby.
The 37-year-old came onto the Aviva Stadium pitch before kickoff, accompanied by his two young boys Beau and Russell, and held back tears throughout Ireland’s national anthem.
“I enjoyed that with the boys, it was brilliant,” stated the man.
“They were very well-behaved as they walked out. There was a worry that one of them would take the bolt! I did enjoy it, yes.
“I was singing Amhran na bhFiann and cracked up a little, so I just paused to regroup.
“I didn’t have anything particularly on my mind. There has been a lot of emotion this week. I wasn’t filtering it out or anything, but I needed to take a moment.”
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