WATCH as former Leinster and Ireland prop Cian Healey speaks about finishing his career in a Barbarians jersey against the Springboks at Cape Town Stadium.
The 37-year-old has retired as the most capped Leinster player in the province’s history (291) and represented Ireland on 137 occasions.
He has won four Champions Cup titles, eight United Rugby Championship (formerly Pro 12/14) titles, as well as one Challenge Cup trophy with Leinster.
At Test level, Healey won five Six Nations trophies, two Grand Slams and four Triple Crown titles.
Now in his final week as a professional player, Healey shared his feelings on finishing his career with the Barbarians in South Africa against the Springboks.
“Playing against the world champions in their backyard is a special thing.
“With a team such as the Barbarians, the stress is taken out of the week.
“It’s all about enjoyment and getting to know people, having fun and doing some training.
“You need some professionalism in there. We have to look after our bodies as well, so we’re also doing some things right.
“Personally, it’s a very special way to finish a career.
“When you’re in national camps and club teams, it can be stressful environments where you get pushed to your limits often.
“For the players to decide their workload [with the Barbarians], it’s a good thing.
“You’re going to get people that start hounding in on the game pretty early, and that feeds the environment a bit, being player-driven.
“It’s going to be a special thing to be part of.”
Healey added that he’s content that his career has come to an end despite some emotional twists this past season.
“I’m happy about it [retirement]. I’ve been lucky enough to have a good career and play a lot of games for club and country.
“A few times throughout the season, I might have had some emotional twists in my final outings with Leinster and Ireland.
“To be honest, I tried to park the thoughts about it, and continue as professionally as possible and deal with the aftermath [of life] after rugby.”
