Healy answers Scotland call

By Shane Brophy

Ben Healy would have dreamed of playing rugby for Ireland growing up, instead he is set to play against them after being called-up to the Scotland squad ahead of the start of the Six Nations Championship next month.

The Kilruane native is eligible to play for Scotland through his Scottish grandparents, and in in the week after his move from Munster to Edinburgh at the end of the season was confirmed, the 23-year-old out-half accepted an approach from Scotland coach Gregor Townsend to join their squad ahead.

Speaking about calling up the Munster man, Gregor Townsend said it only came about after the last couple of weeks.

“Ben played very well off the bench against Ulster and then the following week started against the Lions and I was impressed with him that night.

“He is a different player to the 10’s we have had in the squad. He is a very good attacker, both in terms of the system, his own individual strengths, and a very good kicking game.

“To have someone we can call on of Ben’s ability when we have lost Adam Hastings and Ross Thompson to injuries is a real positive.”

Scotland begin their Six Nations campaign against England at Twickenham on Saturday week, with the possibility that Ben could line out against Ireland when they meet in round 4 at Murrayfield on Sunday 12th March.