A prolific points scorer at all levels of professional rugby, Healey was a top-class performer capable of extraordinary jinking runs and quick offloads, making him a hugely popular player with fans. He also came with a fierce competitive edge which earned him the nickname, “The Leicester Lip” due to his outspoken personality.
A versatile player who specialised as a scrum half but would often play at fly-half, full back and on the wing, showing his ability in all positions. 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 a crucial player for Tigers and was also selected to make his England debut in the 1997 Five Nations. That same year he would make his debut for the British & Irish Lions, leading to his earning his place in England’s 1999 World Cup squad. The following year he was voted the Leicester Tigers’ and Allied Dunbar Player of the Season.
He would be tried in various positions in the coming seasons, including fly-half and did not make such a strong impact at international level. But he re-entered the fray for the 2001 Six Nations, helping England to record victory. This would see him join the team for the successful tour that brought wins against Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. His autobiography, Lions, Tigers and Roses would be released by Oxford University Press that year.
Healey hit a brilliant bout of form in his penultimate season, in 2004-05 prompting calls for him to return to the England setup. The call never came from England coach Andy Robertson and Healey would write an article in The Guardian featuring the quote: 'Have you heard the latest from the Lions' camp? Clive's sending Andy Robinson to a fancy dress party tonight. He's going as a pumpkin, they're hoping when it gets to midnight he'll turn into a real coach!'
The line would sum up Healey’s fiery personality. A team player with a sense of humour, it was little surprise that he became a media icon in the years that followed his retirement at the end of the 2005-06 season. Having won the league with Leicester Tigers, Healey began a new career as a banker with Credit Suisse. He would also feature on television hit shows such as Strictly Come Dancing, The Fuse, Mastermind and Waterloo Road in addition to his new role as a BBC rugby analyst.
