Ireland faces huge blow ahead of RWC after losing veteran prop Healy through injury

Ireland has been dealt with a huge blow ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup after veteran prop Cian Healy was ruled out for 10 weeks after suffering a calf injury in their close 17-12 win over Samoa yesterday.

Head coach Andy Farrell says they are “devastated” to have lost Healy and it is unfortunate for them, certainly for the start of the competition.

Farrell says it is difficult because somebody’s dream has been shattered.

Captain Johnny Sexton says losing a very decorated player and a great player like Healy is unfortunate and he will be missed.

Sexton says he is gutted for Healy to miss this tournament as it has meant a lot to him in how he has prepared for it and how he has trained.

Healy was helped off the pitch by medical staff in Bayonne and was later pictured on crutches.

Munster loosehead Jeremy Loughman will fill the void, with coach Farrell holding faint hope of Healy possibly being fit to feature in the latter stages of the tournament.

Ireland will begin their RWC campaign on September 9th against Romania in Bordeaux at 1.30am.