Jamie Heaslip has put forward his case for why Cian Healy should be considered the most successful Irish rugby player of all time.
The Leinster and Ireland legend is set to call time on his career at the end of the 2025 campaign.
Ireland’s most-capped player will be hoping for a Grand Slam with his country and Leinster will also be aiming for European Cup glory.
Healy’s decision to step away comes at the same time as Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray, both also confirmed they will be retiring from Ireland after the season ends.
Either way, he will exit the stage as an all-time legend.
Church is the record appearance holder with both Ireland — 134 and counting — and Leinster, clocking up 287 games to date.
Having made his Leinster debut at just 19 during the 2006/07 season, Healy has amassed an astonishing collection of silverware. A four-time European Cup winner and five-time Six Nations champion.
The 37-year-old has lifted almost every major trophy available at both club and international level.
And Former teammate Heaslip believes that sheer volume of success sets him apart from anyone else who has worn the green jersey.
Speaking on RTE, Heaslip said: “Someone like Cian Healy, he’s changed the expectation of what a loosehead prop is meant to be capable of doing.
“He will retire as literally Ireland’s most successful [player]… if you measure on things won, the most successful Irish player ever.
“All of them can be in that bracket as greats.”
He added: “Cian and the rest of them have elevated even the expectation of what you have to do – what a professional rugby player is all about.
“It’s been managed very well; they were never going to the next World Cup but Andy Farrell has enable them to pass all that leadership quality, rugby IP, and how to be a really good player and look after yourself and get that longevity.
“Whatever about 50 international caps, getting over 100 international caps does not happen by luck.”
