Cian Healy turns down Worcester to stay in Ireland

As predicted by Neil Fissler in The Rugby Paper on February 7, Cian Healy has decided to turn down a lucrative three-year deal at Worcester to remain with Leinster and Ireland.
The Test prop had an offer from the Warriors who were hoping he’d follow centre Ben Te’o to Sixways but he has put pen to paper on a new three-year deal that will see him stay in Ireland until at least 2019.
In recent weeks, Keith Earls was also rumoured to move to the Premiership, Saracens, but in the following days the centre penned a new deal with the IRFU having ratcheted up his value.
Healy made his senior debut for Leinster against Border Reivers in May 2007 and has since made 148 appearances for Leinster.
He made his Ireland debut in the 20-20 draw with Australia in November 2009 and has gone on to win 56 caps for his country as well as representing the British & Irish Lions in 2013.
He said: ”I feel that I am coming back to full fitness now and would like to thank the medical and S&C teams for their ongoing support.
“There are a lot of exciting young talented players coming through at Leinster and Ireland and I am looking forward to competing for silverware over the next few seasons.”
IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora added: ”Cian is one of the most explosive athletes in world rugby and has proven for both Ireland and Leinster his ability to compete at the highest levels of the game.
“We are delighted that Cian has committed to playing in Ireland up until after the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.”