Cian Healy facts for kids
Healy representing Ireland during the 2015 Rugby World Cup
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| Full name | Cian Eoin James Healy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | 7 October 1987 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Dublin, Ireland | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 117 kg (258 lb; 18 st 6 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Belvedere College | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Cian Healy (born 7 October 1987) is a famous Irish professional rugby union player. He plays as a prop for the United Rugby Championship club Leinster. He also plays for the Ireland national team.
In November 2024, Cian Healy made history. He earned his 134th cap for Ireland. This means he played 134 games for his country. He broke the record for most caps with Ireland, which was previously held by Brian O'Driscoll. Healy is also the player with the most appearances for Leinster.
Contents
Cian Healy's Club Rugby Journey
Cian Healy started his professional rugby career with Leinster. He made his first appearance for the team when he was just 19 years old. This was during the 2006–07 season.
Becoming a Key Player
By the 2008–09 season, Healy became a regular starter for Leinster. He was a very important part of the team that won the Heineken Cup in 2009. They beat Leicester Tigers in a close game.
He continued to help Leinster win more big titles. They won the Heineken Cup again in 2011. They defeated Northampton Saints in an exciting match. The very next season, 2011–12, Leinster won the Heineken Cup for a third time. They beat their rivals Ulster in the final.
Overcoming Challenges
Cian Healy faced some tough times with injuries. In 2015, a neck injury almost made him stop playing rugby. But he worked hard to recover and came back stronger. He even lost 10 kilograms to get back into top shape.
In the 2017–2018 season, he was back as a first-choice player. He helped Leinster win their fourth European Cup. They also won the Pro14 league for the first time that season. Healy is one of a few special players to have won the European Cup four times.
Setting New Records
Cian Healy has set many records for Leinster. On 4 May 2024, he played in his 111th European game. This is an all-time record for European appearances.
On 28 September 2024, he played his 281st game for Leinster. This made him the player with the most games played for the club. He is a true legend for Leinster.
Cian Healy's International Rugby Career
Cian Healy has also had a fantastic career playing for Ireland.
Playing for Ireland A
Before joining the main Ireland team, Healy played for the Ireland A side. In 2009, he helped the Ireland A team win the 2009 Churchill Cup. They beat England Saxons in the final.
Playing for Ireland
Healy was first called up to the Ireland squad in 2008. He made his official international debut in November 2009. This was in a game against Australia. His coach, Declan Kidney, praised his performance.
He made his Six Nations Championship debut in 2010 against Italy. He also played in important Six Nations games against France, England, and Wales.
World Cup Highlights
At the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Healy was named Man of the Match. This was after Ireland beat Australia 15–6 in a tough game.
He was a key player when Ireland won the Grand Slam in the 2018 Six Nations Championship. A Grand Slam means winning all your games in the Six Nations. He played in four of the five games, including the final match against England.
In the 2020 Six Nations Championship, Healy scored a try against France. This game was special because it was his 100th game for Ireland.
Becoming Ireland's Most Capped Player
In August 2023, Healy got a leg injury. This meant he missed the 2023 Rugby World Cup. But he worked hard to come back.
In November 2024, he was named to play against Argentina. This game was his 133rd cap, which equaled the record set by Brian O'Driscoll. Just a few days later, on 30 November 2024, Cian Healy played his 134th game for Ireland. This made him the most-capped player in Irish rugby history! This record-breaking game also celebrated the 150th anniversary of the IRFU.
Cian Healy's Life Off the Pitch
Cian Healy is not just a rugby star; he has other talents too! He enjoys painting and has even painted pictures of other rugby players.
He is also a DJ and goes by the name DJ Church. He has performed at big music festivals like Oxegen 2010 and Oxegen 2011 with his band partner, DJ Gordo.
Honours and Achievements
Cian Healy has won many awards and titles throughout his career:
With Leinster
- 4× European Rugby Champions Cup: 2009, 2011, 2012, 2018
- 7× United Rugby Championship: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
- 1× European Challenge Cup: 2013
With Ireland A
- 1× Churchill Cup: 2009
With Ireland
- 5× Six Nations Championship: 2014, 2015, 2018, 2023, 2024
- 2× Grand Slam: 2018, 2023
- 3× Triple Crown: 2018, 2022, 2023
Individual Awards
- Most European Rugby Champions Cup appearances: 112
- Leinster Young Player of the Year: 2009
- Leinster all-time caps leader: 281
- Ireland all-time caps leader: 134
See also
In Spanish: Cian Healy para niños
