Gibbes happy to utilise Healy

Jono Gibbes concedes that Irish prop Cian Healy struggled to contain his emotions when he stamped on the ruck-occupying ankle of England’s Dan Cole last Sunday.

Healy was handed a three-week ban from the IRB’s independent citing commission on Wednesday but Leinster intend to play him against Treviso tomorrow.

Gibbes has no fears about unleashing a player who, pending an IRFU appeal, will start his three-week ban, from midnight this Sunday.

The Leinster forwards coach said: “I didn’t see all the incidents but I think he was geed up because it was England and he might not have channelled it in the right way.

“As tight forwards, you’ve got to go in ready for battle and make sure you are enforcing your presence. Unfortunately, maybe he didn’t quite channel in the right way.”

Gibbes added, “He’s certainly available. Joe [Schmidt] and Declan Kidney have been in touch to discuss the international players. I would certainly be delighted to have him back. Cian will be one of those guys they’ve discussed that will be considered.”

Referring to the complications Healy’s selection might raise, Gibbes remarked, “Not for me. There are complications for others maybe. Cian is just like the other international players that are in consideration [for the game].”

On the ban, set to expire the day after Ireland’s Six Nations game against France, the New Zealander said, “Nothing really is surprising when a judiciary is involved. You go into them with an open mind.”

Gibbes expects Healy to report for Leinster training during the course of his ban. “It’s good for him to be involved, doing something constructive at, obviously, a pretty frustrating time for him. The only real negativity, I’d say, is whoever has to train with him in the next couple of weeks is probably going to get some serious damage done to them in the gym or out on the field.”