Healy made his Leinster debut at 19 years old in the 2006–07 season against Border Reivers, when he came of the bench.[2] He transitioned to first choice at his position for Leinster in the 2008–09 season. When as a 21-year-old, Healy was a key part of the Leinster team that won the 2009 Heineken Cup in a 19–16 win against Leicester Tigers.
Healy continued to be a key player for Leinster in the following seasons, but struggled with a series of injuries, nearly retiring in the summer of 2015 after a neck injury.[6] However he managed to return to playing for Leinster, and after losing 10 kilos, regained his position as first choice in the 2017–2018 season, where he played a key role in Leinster winning its fourth European Cup against Racing 92, along with winning the Pro14 for the first time against the Scarlets. Healy is a member of an elite group of players to have won the European Cup four times, alongside teammates, Devin Toner, Johnny Sexton and Isa Nacewa.[7] On 4 May 2024 Healy came off the bench in a 20–17 semi-final victory over Northampton Saints for his 111th European appearance, an all time record.[8]
Healy playing for Leinster
International career
Ireland A
Healy was called into the Ireland A side that was defeated by England Saxons on 1 February 2008.[9][10]
On 21 June 2009, he was part of the Ireland 'A' team that won the 2009 Churchill Cup against England Saxons by 49–22 in the final in Colorado.[11]
Healy was named Man of the Match in a bruising encounter on 17 September 2011, when Ireland defeated Australia 15–6 at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in Eden Park.[16]
Healy was cited to appear before a disciplinary hearing in London on 13 February 2013, where he received a three-week suspension for stamping on the ankle of opponent player Dan Cole during Ireland's second round encounter with England in the Six Nations Championship.[17]
Healy was a key member of the Grand Slam winning Ireland team during the 2018 Six Nations Championship, starting four of the five games including the decider against England in Twickenham.[18] Healy scored a try against France in the final game of the 2020 Six Nations as he reached 100 caps for Ireland.[19]
On 26 August 2023, Healy suffered a leg injury in Ireland's final World Cup warm-up game against Samoa and was omitted from the Ireland squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup with a recovery period of up to ten weeks.[20]
Personal life
Healy has painted portraits of fellow rugby players.[21]
He is also a DJ, calling himself DJ Church, performing at both Oxegen 2010 and Oxegen 2011 in the Electric Ballroom with his band partner DJ Gordo.[22]