JACK BOYLE praised Cian Healy’s know-how for getting him ready for Ireland duty, believing there is no substitute for experience.
The 23-year-old loosehead prop won his second cap against Italy on Saturday and looks set to be Healy’s long-term replacement in the squad.
He got the nod ahead of the 37-year-old for the Azzurri clash to provide cover for Andrew Porter, with Healy now officially retired from international rugby.
And Boyle admitted that the lessons he has learned from ‘Church’, as his Leinster mentor Healy is known, will stand to him in future.
He said: “I owe Church so much, not just for this week but for the last number of years. He put so much work into me, trying to get me to this level.
“When I first came in I was raw enough. He helped me around that set-piece stuff.
“It’s mainly the off-the-field stuff, preparing yourself as best as possible so that when you get on the pitch you are able to properly perform.
“That’s the big takeaway. Looking at him as a person, as a leader, he is someone that I have always looked up to, the way he goes about his business.
“He’s unbelievably professional but also gas craic as well. I owe him so much. Hopefully I can stay friends with him for a good few years to come.”
Boyle acknowledged that Healy’s retirement, along with those of Munster duo Conor Murray and Peter O’Mahony, will leave a big void in the Irish squad.
He added: “Some of those older lads, they give so much to the group.
“You wouldn’t believe but they’re driving the craic, it’s normally the other way around.
“The three lads that are leaving will leave a void there. They have given so much over the years.
“I only know them a few months but you can see the respect that people have for them.
“There is a group of young lads, we are chomping at the bit, but there are world-class operators ahead of us and you have to respect that as well.
“They will be missed.”
