Ireland international Cian Healy apologises over laptop-on-plane incident

Ireland international Cian Healy issued an apology after he was asked to leave a flight from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town.

The 29-year-old, who was travelling with his Leinster squad for the Pro 14 clash against Toyota Cheetahs was continuing to use his laptop despite instruction from the airlines to the passengers to stop using electronic equipments.

A member of the South African Express cabin crew then asked that the plane be turned around and the player was asked to leave when it returned to the terminal.

A statement released by the Pro 14 club confirmed that Healy had to miss the Sunday's afternoon flight and took the next available flight with the same airlines to join the squad.

"The issue related to a misunderstanding around the use of a laptop during the approach to take off," a spokesman said.

"Cian disembarked the plane and took the next available flight to Cape Town with the same airline.

"Cian apologised sincerely to all concerned at the time for any inconvenience caused."

Earlier, Leinster captain Isa Nacewa and fellow New Zealander Jamison Gibson-Park were denied to enter South Africa with the squad ahead of the game against Southern Kings last weekend due to visa-related issue.