British & Irish Lions
Henry slams Healey
July 15, 2001

Lions coach Graham Henry has condemned Austin Healey for the comments he made on the eve of the deciding Test against Autralia.

Healey, speaking in his newspapaer column, let rip with a barrage of derogatory comments about Australia, Australian men and in particular Justin Harrison.Healey was forced to pull out of the final clash of the tour after failing a late fitness test but that did not save him from a mauling by Henry.

A four-figure fine is the course of action Healey can expect from Home Unions chiefs, although he was not around to face any music today, having been among the first batch of players to leave Australia.

"I am amazed that a Lion in the group would give the opposition the ammunition they required to prepare for the game," said Henry. "It was a built-in team talk for Rod Macqueen (Wallabies coach) and the Australian team.

"I am not sure what Austin thought - he possibly thought it would knock them (Australia) off their equilibrium. But knowing the Australian animal like I do, it was ideal ammunition.

"I was amazed that anyone could have written that," he added.

And in a general observation on players writing controversial columns, Henry added: "I am disappointed that those things occurred. There was a system in place that they shouldn't occur, but it obviously didn't work.

"I believe the team comes first and I believe that by criticising people in that group, you are not doing what you should be doing. The team comes first and that is very important if you are going to have the ultimate in a team situation."

Healey also faced a tirade of abuse in the Australian press. "He is just a child, just so incredibly immature," former Wallabies Test captain Nick Farr-Jones told The Sun-Herald newspaper.

"What he said was outrageous. I cannot imagine his motivation for such an attack. It doesn't deserve a response, but I think we have to because he is so immature."

And Simon Poidevin, another Australian rugby great, added: "Australian Customs have a lot to answer for letting this bloke into the country."

Read what Healey had to say

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.