'Monk life' gives Cian Healy bite back for another Ireland chapter

Cian Healy never thought his pre-World Cup injury would spell the end of his Ireland career but has admitted that it has put some "bite" back into his game.

Last August the then-35-year-old injured his calf in Ireland's final warm-up game against Samoa.

The loosehead prop subsequently worked his way back to fitness and was on standby for Andy Farrell’s squad but Ireland’s tournament ended, once again, at the quarter-final stage.

Healy’s return to action was further delayed when a shoulder injury kept him sidelined for the opening rounds of Leinster’s URC campaign and he eventually made a seasonal debut at the start of December against Connacht.

However, he has started just once in six club games and racked up a total of 145 minutes.

Now, ahead of a likely 128th cap against England on Saturday the Dubliner, who made his Ireland debut in 2009, has spoken about his mindset after the injury and the hunger to keep going as he searches for a fifth Six Nations title.

"No, I didn’t think about it, to be honest," he replied when asked if he believed that his Ireland days were behind him after missing out at what would have been a fourth World Cup.

"I had one day where I was feeling pretty sorry for myself and then it got into rehab and it was [all about] how soon could I make myself available.

"The contact from the coaching staff and management while in France back to me was good.

"Just keep doing your thing at home and if you’re needed, you’ll be ready, happy days.

"It was a two-part deal in my head: I had to hold up my side of it and if anything happened, grand, I’d be ready, that’s the way that worked.

"I got back fit, which made me fit for Leinster, which was fine, happy days. It’s a win and a win in my eyes. Unfortunately, I didn’t get