Barbarians prop Cian Healy plans to do his “homework” before scrumming down against Springbok debutant Asenathi Ntlabakanye at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday. SIMON BORCHARDT reports.
The first match of the Springboks’ 2025 season marks the end of Healy’s decorated 18-year professional career. The 37-year-old is Ireland’s most capped player with 137 Test appearances, his last outing coming against Italy in this year’s Six Nations. He also holds the record for most appearances for Leinster, with 291 caps for the province, the last of which came in their Vodacom URC final victory over the Bulls in Dublin.
The Boks on Tuesday named a match 23 featuring four uncapped players, including tighthead prop Ntlabakanye, who is set to experience a tough introduction to international rugby against a loosehead legend.
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When asked for his thoughts on the Bok side, Healy admitted he hadn’t even looked at it when it was posted on the Barbarians’ WhatsApp group.
“We got off the bus for lunch, and I was starving, so I went straight to the food,” he said with a laugh. “But I don’t think it really matters what team they put out. South African rugby is in such a strong place – they can pull players from anywhere and put together a top-tier international side that can beat anyone. It’s a massive challenge no matter who they pick.”
When told that he’d be going head to head with Ntlabakanye, the Irishman grinned.
“I’ll be doing my homework for that one. He’s a big guy. Tough scrummager. But I love a challenge – and this one is definitely up there.”
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Having enjoyed many fierce battles against the Springboks and South Africa’s URC franchises over the years, Healy said he couldn’t have asked for a more fitting way to finish his career.
“Playing against the world champions in their back garden is always special. Doing it as part of a Barbarians team makes it even better,” he said. “The pressure’s off during the week – it’s about enjoyment, getting to know people, having a bit of craic [a good time] in training, but also doing things right. That kind of balance is a really special way to finish a career.”
The Barbarians are staying in Camps Bay this week – the perfect setting for an invitational team that places as much importance on social events as they do on training and other match preparation.
“You’re meeting guys properly for the first time, sitting down, talking about rugby, about life – it’s just a great environment,” said Healy. “Some players you’ve played against for years, but now you really get to know them. And when match day comes, you see how different people prepare. I love that part of the week.”
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After the final whistle on Saturday, Healy will shift focus to life after rugby.
“I’m doing a bit of coaching at my local club and the school I went to – just to see if I enjoy that side of it. But mostly, I want to take a year and see what fits,” he explained.
“We’ve got some summer holidays planned as a family. I’ve also got a lovely workshop in the back garden where I disappear for hours making chef knives. So that’s something I’ll enjoy – a bit of me time.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
