'He's been a legend of our squad' — Farrell pays tribute to Healy influence before landmark cap

Cap number 133 for Healy equals the milestone set by former Leinster and Ireland team-mate Brian O’Driscoll between 1999 and 2014.

OUT IN FRONT: Cian Healy will rack up cap number 133 on Friday. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Fifteen years to the day since he earned his Ireland Test debut against Australia under Declan Kidney, Cian Healy will on Friday night lead his country out against Argentina as his country’s record-equalling appearance maker.

And though the 37-year-old replacement loosehead prop will hate every minute of his time in the spotlight, head coach Andy Farrell was happy to pay tribute, not just to his long service at the harsh coalface of international rugby but the way he as adapted to his bench role as back-up to Andrew Porter as well as the influential role he has played in the development of those front-rowers who've followed in his footsteps.