Austin Healey is a former English rugby union player. He played as a utility back for Leicester Tigers, and has represented England and the British Lions. He is perhaps best known to the general public for his successful run on the BBC television show, Strictly Come Dancing.

Austin Healey is a former English rugby union player. He played as a utility back for Leicester Tigers, and has represented England and the British Lions. He is perhaps best known to the general public for his successful run on the BBC television show, Strictly Come Dancing.

Austin has 51 England caps and 2 Lions caps. He has played for England at scrum half, fly-half, fullback and wing, and has often been used as a substitute because of his versatility. He is a famously competitive and outspoken character, gaining the nickname "The Leicester Lip".

Austin made his England debut against Ireland during the 1997 Five Nations tournament, and toured with the British Lions in 1997, making two appearances.

Austin is known for his consistency on the rugby field and has been chosen to represent England on tours all over the world, from Australia to Argentina. He was selected as part of the 2003 World Cup team but unfortunately did not have the opportunity to play. Following this, Austin returned to play for the Tigers.

In the 05/06 season, Austin was handed club vice-captaincy and regularily captained the team from scrum half and fly half during the international period. He announced his retirement at the end of the season.

In 2008, Austin took part in series 6 of the popular BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing. He made it to the quarter-finals with dance partner Erin Boag, achieving the highest score ever for a Paso Doble, and the highest male Cha Cha and Tango scores throughout any series.

Austin appeared on the 2008 Christmas special of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Together with Gary Linekar, the pair won £50,000 for their chosen charity, Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation. He has also appeared on shows such as Beat The Star and Hole in the Wall.

Austin is currently presenting The Big Tackle on ITV, aimed at promoting and assisting rugby clubs around the country. Austin is also the host of ITV gameshow, The Fuse, which first aired on 13 July 2009.

Austin is a natural in front of the camera or behind the pundit’s microphone and in 2010, his talents were noticed by ESPN who signed Austin as a lead commentator and pundit for their coverage of the Aviva Premiership. Alongside main host Mark Durden-Smith, Austin has instilled a fresh approach to rugby broadcasting in the UK and has helped ESPN win huge praise for their coverage.