Cian Healy has cast himself back into contention for a remarkable return to the Irish World Cup squad after making an early return from injury that's earned him a spot on Ireland's standby list.
Irish Cian Healy had been widely expected to travel to France with the World Cup Squad, however, disaster struck in Bayonne when Healy suffered a bad calf injury against Samoa.
26 August 2023; Cian Healy of Ireland wears a moonboot after leaving the field with an injury during the Rugby World Cup warm-up match between Ireland and Samoa at Parc des Sports Jean Dauger in Bayonne, France. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
READ ALSO: Bernard Jackman Explains Why Ireland Shouldn't Panic After New Zealand Drub Italy
While Healy left the stadium in a boot and on crutches with an eta on his return spelling an ugly ten weeks, the Leinster man has once again defied the odds and made himself available for Irish selection ahead of Ireland's crunch games.
The Leinster loosehead took to Twitter on Thursday to reveal that he had returned from injury earlier than expected and was looking forward to getting back to action. With Ireland later confirming that they were in contact with Healy who had been added to their standby list pending any injuries later in the tournament.
It wasn't easy getting here, but happy the body still knows how to recover ahead of schedule 🫡
Looking forward to getting back to it and will be forever grateful to those who got me to this point ♥️ pic.twitter.com/JmwxZwyb4b— Cian Healy (@ProperChurch) September 28, 2023
Cian Healy has already represented Ireland at three World Cups and while he was omitted from what would've been his fourth and last this year, there is now a glimmer of hope that the Leinster man could return to the squad at the back end of the tournament.
In order for Healy to return to the squad another player would have to be ruled out with injury. While his return seems unlikely, Ireland are now facing down the barrel of a host of challenging games with Scotland up next and a potential quarter-final against New Zealand on the horizon as well.
In games that will be nothing but wars of attrition between the World's best sides, injuries are inevitable and Healy's experience would be a brilliant addition to the squad as their challenges mount.
Speaking about the potential return of Cian Healy, Ireland manager Mick Kearney confirmed that his return to the squad was still very much on the cards:
The medics and strength and conditioning team would be in touch with Cian and, I’m sure, other players back home to see how they are. It’s great to see Cian back training and training well. Possibly later in the tournament if we get an injury, Cian would be a great addition if fully fit. It’s good to see him back training.
While only time will tell if Healy will be back, any return for the loosehead would be a fitting ending to the Leinster man's World Cup career.
SEE ALSO: All Blacks Coach Issues Questionable Judgement Of Ireland v South Africa
