Cian Healy has no plans to retire as he targets fourth RWC

Cian Healy will be turning 36 years old during the Rugby World Cup, but the veteran loosehead doesn't want the tournament in France to be his last dance with Ireland.

The Leinster prop made his 124th Ireland appearance in last Saturday's warm-up win against Italy, coming off the bench to score Ireland's fourth try of the evening - his 12th in a distinguished Test career.

His cameo against the Italians saw him draw level with Rory Best as Ireland's third most-capped player, with just Ronan O'Gara (128) and Brian O'Driscoll (133) ahead of him on the all time list.

"It is a nice thing, but I don't massively count caps," he said, after being reminded of last week's milestone.

"It is nice to have been in for that long and had that many opportunities in green.

"I actually love pulling the jersey on so every time; first, 100th, or whatever, I've enjoyed every one of them."

It's just short of 14 years since his debut against Australia in November 2009, and in that time he's played his part in four Six Nations titles with Ireland.

In theory, he could move level with O'Driscoll on 133 caps by the end of the year, although for that to happen Ireland would have to reach a World Cup final or third-place playoff, and Healy (below) would have to play every game between now and then.

Regardless, he doesn't intend to follow captain Johnny Sexton into retirement after the tournament, confirming he's under contract at Leinster for this season, and intends to be available for Ireland selection.

"Body's holding up well. The odd Sunday it would be sore now but holding up alright," he added.

His desire to keep playing possibly stems from how close he came to retiring eight years ago.

A nerve injury in his neck before the 2015 Rugby World Cup brought him