Ireland prop Healy cleared to play in World Cup

Ireland prop Cian Healy has been given the all clear to play in the Rugby World
Cup having recovered from neck surgery.

Healy has battled neck problems since May, but has recovered just in time and
will be available for Saturday’s Pool D opener against Canada.

Scrum-half Conor Murray has been passed fit after concussion, with Rob Kearney
also over knee problems for the Cardiff clash with Canada.

“The 31-man squad are all fit and available for selection against Canada
for Saturday,” said Ireland team co-ordinator Mick Kearney.

“Cian’s great, obviously Cian had a few dark days across the summer but
towards the end of August he made fantastic progress.

“He’s been in full training for the last two weeks and I’m delighted to
report that he is available for selection at the weekend against Canada.

“I think the fact that he is available and is fit I think it’s a huge
boost to everyone in the squad and a huge boost to Cian as well.”

Healy’s presence will provide a clear advantage for Ireland in their target
of reaching a first-ever World Cup semi-final.

Hooker Rory Best hailed 27-year-old Healy’s return as head coach Joe Schmidt’s
squad a sizeable lift, off the back of consecutive warm-up defeats to Wales
and England.