Cian Healy in World Cup race after neck surgery

Leinster confirm prop Cian Healy has had neck surgery

Ireland prop Cian Healy is in a race to be fit for the World Cup after undergoing neck surgery on Friday.

Leinster coach Matt O'Connor confirmed Healy, 27, had an operation to repair a damaged disk in his neck but described the surgery as "straight-forward".

"He is recovering well, the surgeon is very happy how it went," said O'Connor.

"There isn't a time scale but they are pretty optimistic, but they'll wait and see how he pulls up post-surgery. It (World Cup) shouldn't be an issue."

The loosehead prop missed a large part of the season after hamstring surgery in September, making his comeback during Ireland's victorious Six Nations campaign.

This latest setback will lead to doubts over his World Cup involvement in the autumn, particularly in Ireland's warm-up matches against Wales, Scotland and England in August and September.

Meanwhile, Leinster secured a place in next season's European Champions Cup following a 10-0 victory over Treviso in the Pro12 on Friday night.