Ireland captain Caelan Doris attributes the remarkable longevity of history-maker Cian Healy to cold showers and curious sleeping habits.
Veteran prop Healy is poised to move ahead of Brian O'Driscoll as Ireland’s most-capped player after being named on the bench for Saturday’s autumn finale against Australia at Aviva Stadium.
The 37-year-old, whose Test debut came in a 20-20 draw with the Wallabies at Croke Park in 2009, will make a 134th appearance for his country if he comes on.
Doris recalls watching Leinster team-mate Healy during his schooldays before later becoming his room-mate at international level.
"His longevity has been unbelievable," said Doris. "Like, 134 caps is just wild.
"I think that’s in large part testament to how well he looks after himself.
"I had the pleasure of rooming with him in Ireland for about four years and he’s up to all sorts of tricks in terms of his recovery.
"Sometimes sleeping on the ground with his legs elevated, sleeping on acupressure mats, mindfulness and even all sorts of cold showers, loads of stretching and it’s stood to him in terms of his body and the ability to stay going at this age."
Healy (below) equalled O’Driscoll’s record during Ireland’s 22-19 win over Argentina a fortnight ago before being rested for last week’s 52-17 victory over Fiji.
He has won five Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams, across his distinguished career, while a serious ankle issue denied him a cap on the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour.
The loosehead has largely been used as backup to Andrew Porter in recent years, with his only start since the 2022 Six Nations coming against Samoa last summer when he suffered a calf injury which ruled him out of the World Cup.
Doris revealed Healy enjoys some
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