Healy could miss remainder of Six Nations

Cian Healy’s participation in the remainder of Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations is in doubt after the Leinster prop was cited for stamping.

Healy connected with the ankle of opposite number Dan Cole in the 14th minute of Sunday’s 12-6 defeat by England at the Aviva Stadium and faces a ban of up to nine weeks.

The 25-year-old will appear before an independent Six Nations disciplinary committee in London tomorrow.

Even a low end sanction of two weeks would see Healy miss Ireland’s next RBS 6 Nations clash with Scotland at Murrayfield on February 24.

A longer ban would also threaten his involvement against France and Italy, robbing coach Declan Kidney of an influential player in a position where they have little depth.

An attritional opening two matches have taken their toll on Ireland, damaging their fading hopes of being involved in the title mix.

Fly-half Jonathan Sexton and lock Mike McCarthy are doubtful for Murrayfield with hamstring and knee injuries, while centre Brian O’Driscoll and Donnacha Ryan must see specialists for their ankle and back problems.

However, full-back Rob Kearney and openside Sean O’Brien are expected to travel to Edinburgh despite suffering a dead leg and tight hamstring respectively against England.