Peter Jackson: Cian Healy more than able for historic shot at fifth Champions Cup title

With a little help from his friends, Healy has turned it into such a thriving cottage industry that he now stands within sight of doing what no professional rugby player has ever done, winning five Champions’ Cup finals. Only Johnny Sexton can match that, concussion protocols permitting

Leinster’s Cian Healy is tackled by Jonny Hill of Exeter Chiefs in the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final, Sandy Park. Healy he now stands within sight of winning five Champions’ Cup finals. Picture: Inpho/James Crombie

The comedian Les Dawson used to joke about his boxing career as Battling Rembrandt, a nom de guerre inspired by all that time spent flat out on the canvas. How he would have loved Cian Healy.

A bit of a painter himself, as yet some way below the standard set by the Dutch Master of the 17th century, the durable Dubliner still does things that lovable Les could only dream of, like putting a string of champions out for the count.