Players back recovering Cian Healy to be ready for Ireland’s RWC opener

Ireland forwards Peter O’Mahony and Mike Ross have backed pack-mate Cian Healy to pass fit for the World Cup campaign beginning in eight weeks.

The first-choice Irish loosehead prop underwent neck surgery on a disc in May but reports this week have suggested the 27-year-old may be struggling to complete his rehabilitation in time for Ireland’s opening pool game against Canada in Cardiff on September 19.

Healy, however, took a full part in yesterday’s light training session in Cork which was open to the public and viewed by around 3,000 supporters at Musgrave Park before signing autographs with the rest of Joe Schmidt’s extended squad, and his progress received a ringing endorsement from back rower O’Mahony.