Austin
Healey

A versatile and competitive back, Austin Healey is one of the greatest rugby players of all time. Discover more about his career with rugby gurus RugbyPass.

Austin Healey Bio

Austin Healey is one of the finest utility backs to ever play the game of rugby. During his distinguished playing career, he amassed more than 200 appearances for Leicester, more than 50 caps for England and two test appearances for the British and Irish Lions.

Born 26 October 1973, Austin Healey began playing rugby at Birkenhead. After a successful stint at Orrell, he signed for Leicester Tigers in 1996. A year later, he made his full debut for England in the Five Nations and then toured with the British and Irish Lions, where he made two appearances in the test matches.

Throughout his career, Austin Healey was a near ever present for both Leicester and England. His versatility was his trademark, and he was known to play as a scrum half, a winger, a fly-half and a fullback. On the pitch, he was also famously outspoken. As a result, he was given the nickname ‘The Leicester Lip’.

During his decade with Leicester Tigers, Austin Healey made 237 appearances and scored 322 points. During this time, he helped the team win the Premiership four times and the Heineken Champions Cup twice.

In addition, Austin Healey made 51 appearances for England between 1997 and 2003, scoring 75 points in the process. However, although he helped England capture the Six Nations Championship twice, he was left out of the squad that won the Rugby World Cup in 2003.

Since retiring, Austin Healey has largely worked in the British media and regularly commentates on rugby matches. He’s also appeared on shows such as Strictly Come Dancing, Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Mastermind.