
Rugby
Share
Published 11:09 8 Jun 2016 BST
Explore more on these topics:
Speaking to him last year, Heaslip told me that there was nothing he could do about avoiding 'trauma injuries' in modern rugby. He added:
"The best you can do is, any niggles you get, you address them, nip them in the bud early doors by doing a lot of pre-hab and strengthening. "You have to work hard on it, in terms of preparing yourself, eating right, recovering right, finding what works for you. That is where the experience comes in."Heaslip now revels in the fact that he is looked upon as an 80-minute man. He no longer loosens the belt too much in the off-season and takes one day a week to completely shut himself off from rugby. In an interview with David Kelly in the Irish Independent, however, the 32-year-old revealed just how much of a personal sacrifice that dedication to training can be. Heaslip had to decline an offer to be groomsman at a good friend's wedding so he could train. He comments:
"It's a bit of a switch from the mainstream way of thinking. I've had to do it. I couldn't go to a best mate's wedding, there have been numerous others... "My thinking would be different. I wouldn't be comfortable with who I am [if I missed training for the wedding]."Heaslip is expected to start in Ireland's No.8 jersey for Saturday's first Test in Cape Town. Other players may drop out as the series, and a 12-month season, draws to a conclusion. Do not be surprised if caps 91, 92 and 93 are racked up in South Africa.

Fans tear into Leo Cullen after the Leinster boss slams media actions
A war of words! Following Leinster’s defeat of Toulon yesterday, head coach Leo Cullen took advantage of the situation to rub it into what he perceives as an unfair media. Despite continued appearances in Champions Cup finals and a semi-final loss to Northampton last year, as well as URC titles, Leinster do face their fair […]
Rugby
3 days ago
Brilliant footage shows Toulon doing training drills on Dublin street ahead of Leinster loss
This is great! Ahead of their Champions Cup semi-final against Leinster this afternoon at the Aviva Stadium, Toulon were seen training in a rather unusual spot. Instead of a field or the gym, they were filmed on a Dublin street doing maul drills, while others causally tossed the ball around. It is unclear exactly where […]
Rugby
4 days ago
Rugby
Live sport on TV in Ireland this weekend – Football, GAA, Rugby – April 24th to 26th
Rugby