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Austin Healey is one of the most recognisable and popular English rugby players in the modern era. He played full-back for Leicester Tigers, earning himself 237 caps, won 51 caps for England and toured with the Lions in 1997 and 2001. For his country, Austin covered all positions from scrum half, fly-half, fullback and wing, and was as famous for his attitude as well as his skill, gaining the nickname ‘The Leicester Lip’.
Since retiring from playing rugby, Austin Healey has become a familiar face on television and radio, particularly as a rugby analyst for sporting programmes. Since taking on the role as lead rugby analyst on BT Sport in 2013, he has covered the Aviva Premiership, European Cup and Premiership 7’s matches.
In addition to these rugby roles, he is highly regarded by brands and has collaborated with a number of corporate sponsors including Aviva, Sigma Sports, GOPO Joint Health, BMF, Ladbrokes, Citroen and DHL.
Austin is a favourite amongst rugby fans and business people alike; thanks to his versatility, charismatic wit and passionate nature, Austin is now an extremely sought after rugby speaker across events.
Austin Healey was one of the most versatile rugby players in the England team, playing a number of positions and succeeding in all.
After making his name at youth level with England under 21s and amateur side, Birkenhead Park FC Waterloo, he joined Orrell before being signed by Leicester Tigers in 1996. He would quickly prove himself to be a crucial player for the Tigers, and was selected to make his England debut in the 1997 Five Nations (now the Six Nations). That same year he would make his debut for the British & Irish Lions, leading to his place in England’s 1999 World Cup squad. In 2000 he was named the Leicester Tigers’ and Allied Dunbar Player of the Season, before joining the 2001 Six Nations team where England would go on to win.
Austin often speaks about the 2001-2002 Heineken Cup final where he scored the winning try; one of the highlights of his playing career. Austin was riding high at club level but he would never play for England again following the World Cup warm-up in 2003. This would herald the start of his retirement, which eventually came at the end of the 2005-06 season.
Austin hasn’t left the rugby pitch completely behind him, choosing to present and be one of the country’s greatest rugby pundits.
When ESPN won the broadcast rights to the Aviva Premiership Rugby in 2010, he was signed up to be their lead analyst on live matches as well as the host of their highlights programme. He continued in this role for three years. in 2013, he would become a presenter on BT Sport alongside the likes of Lawrence Dallaglio and Martin Bayfield.
In 2009, Austin took on the challenge of turning around the fortunes of five struggling ruby clubs as part of the ground-breaking programme The Big Tackle for ITV, which also saw him obtain his basic coaching qualifications.
He has appeared as a guest star in a number of reality shows including ITV’s Splash (2014) in which he reached the semi-final, BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing (2008) where he ended up in fourth place, and also appeared on the live tour, and Hole in the Wall (2009), as well as a charity special of Who Wants to be a Millionaire (2008) and Mastermind (2013).
Austin is currently a sports columnist for The Daily Telegraph, writing for the print and online paper, and is one of the most popular columns in the newspaper.
He has released two autobiographies documenting his time in the sport; Lions, Tigers and Roses was published in 2001, followed by Me and My Mouth: The Austin Healey Story in 2010.
Austin is a hugely popular face on the corporate circuit, often appearing at upwards of 50 events every year.
As well as his sporting and presenting background, Austin is a successful businessman with significant interests in green energy. He is the founder of OurLegend.co.uk, the home of one-of-a-kind luxury holidays and sporting events, Sports-Show.co.uk, one of the largest sport festivals, and is a founder of SportFest, the UK’s biggest sporting weekend for families.
– National and International Ruby
– TV Presenting
– Leadership
– How to Maximise Sporting Ability
– Overcoming Obstacles and Adversity
– Drive and Determination
An inspirational player on the field and performer off, Austin is a charismatic, gifted and talented figure who now succeeds on the speaking circuit. He is available for award nights, event hosting, comparing and speeches, and is sure to give your audiences an unforgettable experience.
Austin was a huge success. In my opinion he was the best host we have had since I started doing these awards four years ago. He was very friendly, funny, charismatic and kept the guests attention throughout the event. He really made our awards ceremony come alive and we have had nothing but positive feedback on him.
The Energy Institute
Austin set out to address our objectives and prepared well. Austin was brilliant and his stories went down really well with the audience. I enjoyed working with him.
The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
He captivated the crowd with humour and warmth and drove our auction to £15,000 over target! Whilst being lively and entertaining, Austin was also very sensitive to the nature of the event. We would not hesitate to recommend him as a warm, funny and impressive host.
Birmingham Children’s Hospital
Austin met all our objectives and more, he was very receptive to comments from our guests and definitely gave as good as he got and some more, which everyone liked, including our senior management. We have had excellent feedback from all out guests, even the token Welshman! Everyone was talking about Austin when we retired to the bar, even the non-rugby supporters enjoyed his stories.
Nordex