Cian Healy to overtake Brian O’Driscoll in number of caps for Ireland

Cian Healy, who has been called “gaming giant” by his coach Andy Farrell, will carve out a place for himself on Saturday by becoming the record holder for selections for Ireland ahead of Brian O’Driscoll. The 37-year-old prop will come on as a substitute against Australia, the team he made his international debut against in 2009. By earning his 134th cap, he will overtake the legendary centre, his former Leinster teammate and friend . O’Driscoll will be on hand to applaud Healy, just as he was a fortnight ago when he equaled his record for caps in the success against Argentina (22-19). Healy, who also holds the record for appearances with Leinster, nevertheless remains very humble: he is also the first to recognize the gap which separates him from O’Driscoll. He has 132 starts and only one appearance from the bench with the XV du Trèfle, while his younger brother has more than 40 caps as a substitute. The man who mixes under the name DJ Church and has a hobby of making his own knives has nevertheless been an integral part of five teams that won the Six Nations Tournament, including two Grand Slams (2018 and 2023).

“There is a big difference between Drico and me,” Healy explained earlier this month. “I have never been and will never be the player he was, that is why there is an immediate separation”. “I am proud of my longevity and my ability to rise to the occasion”however, he admitted. O’Driscoll, for his part, welcomes the fact that he is such a player “nice as Cian” which dispossesses him of his record. “It’s incredible to do this on the front line, it’s really incredible, to have this ability despite the pressure we receive there”O’Driscoll told Irish radio this week.

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