Austin Healey embroiled in heated Twitter spat with renowned sports scientist

Former England international Austin Healey has been drawn into a heated Twitter spat with a world-renowned sports scientist – among others – on the subject of rugby player welfare.

The row erupted following comments Healey made to a number of Twitter accounts, stemming from a questionable Manu Tuilagi clearout on Jacob Stockdale during the Ireland-England game in the Aviva Stadium last weekend.

Healey implied a podcaster called Josh Gardner was a ‘snowflake’ when he questioned the clearout by the heavyweight England midfielder and Leicester Tigers stalwart.

????????

— Austin Healey (@IamAustinHealey) February 4, 2019

Thanks Josh it’s because I’ve been doing it for 10 years, that’s at least 60 games a year X 10, it’s why I’m the best at what I do #nuanced X https://t.co/O9NfDjEz0g

— Austin Healey (@IamAustinHealey) February 4, 2019

I understand the 2 reasons you tweet Josh 1. Trying to get an English player cited..because you’re scared 2. You want fame and more people to listen to your shite pod #loveya https://t.co/OR37HzGyDD

— Austin Healey (@IamAustinHealey) February 4, 2019

Nope safety not an issue for me no motives couldn’t GAF either way https://t.co/eOPq6MVqBn

— Austin Healey (@IamAustinHealey) February 4, 2019

Because he’s a knob and needs to be told

— Austin Healey (@IamAustinHealey) February 4, 2019

It was at this point in the conversation that renowned sports scientist Ross Tucker got involved. Tucker – a Professor of Exercise Physiology – has worked in a consultancy role with World Rugby in the past on issues surrounding player welfare and anti-doping.

Tucker tweeted: “This expert pundit’s timeline is a study in parochial blindness, and it encapsulates a key element that goes wrong with some of the UK media’s coverage of rugby welfare. It’s just cheerleading dressed up as analysis, hidden behind a flag, smothered in self-righteousness”

This expert pundit's timeline is a study in parochial blindness, and it encapsulates a key element that goes wrong with some of the UK media's coverage of rugby welfare. It's just cheerleading dressed up as analysis, hidden behind a flag, smothered in self-righteousness https://t.co/ptAwEAsqQ2

— Ross Tucker (@Scienceofsport) February 5, 2019

Healey responded, saying: “I played rugby for 28 years, I’ve winced commentated on around 700 games every week, I know what I’m talking about in fact I’d go as far to say I’m a world class expert on the sport and that’s not arrogance it’s just fact.”

I played rugby for 28 years, I’ve winced commentated on around 700 games every week, I know what I’m talking about in fact I’d go as far to say I’m a world class expert on the sport and that’s not arrogance it’s just fact

— Austin Healey (@IamAustinHealey) February 5, 2019

Tucker replied, saying: “I’ve found that the proclamation of “world class expertise” is best left to a) history, and b) other people. But thank you for validating the point with your response.”

I've found that the proclamation of "world class expertise" is best left to a) history, and b) other people. But thank you for validating the point with your response. https://t.co/HsOlcQWOUF

— Ross Tucker (@Scienceofsport) February 5, 2019

Rugby journalist Sam Peters, fresh from his confrontation with Sale Sharks headcoach Steve Diamond, also lobbed in a few grenades of his own.

Ross, it’s beyond flattering of you to describe him as an expert. Trust me some of us are trying to do this seriously.

— Sam Peters (@PlantedSam) February 5, 2019

@IamAustinHealey what have I told you about SAVING ENERGY? Or perhaps you want to declare all your interests? Let us do the serious stuff. You keep up the farty, shouty clown act. https://t.co/ba4rFifmsp

— Sam Peters (@PlantedSam) February 5, 2019

Healey hit back: “Sam this is somewhat disrespectful but that’s why you wrote it @btsport has done some amazing things and I take what I do very seriously that’s why I’m the best …go ahead ask around… or just make it up again”.

Sam is this serious, I’m not an expert on Rugby? You clearly haven’t been doing your research again!! https://t.co/d139Y63Osv

— Austin Healey (@IamAustinHealey) February 5, 2019

Sam this is somewhat disrespectful but that’s why you wrote it @btsport has done some amazing things and I take what I do very seriously that’s why I’m the best …go ahead ask around… or just make it up again https://t.co/N0fcfZS6Gy

— Austin Healey (@IamAustinHealey) February 5, 2019

The row appeared to peter out after that, bringing to an end one of the more memorable rugby Twitter wars in literally weeks.