'Every final I can remember, something has shocked me'

Leicester Tigers legend Austin Healey believes the Gallagher Premiership rugby final is an occasion like no other that continues to go from strength to strength. The race for the top four will be finally decided this weekend in the final round. Tigers, Saracens and Harlequins are assured of a place in the semi-finals while Northampton Saints go head-to-head with Gloucester for the fourth spot ahead of the build-up for the biggest day in English domestic rugby.

Healey spent a decade at the Tigers between 1996 and 2006, featuring in three Premiership Rugby finals, winning two and losing one, and has two further titles to his name from before the semi-finals and final were introduced.

Since 2013 he has been working with BT Sport on their coverage of Premiership Rugby while also working for ESPN from 2010, meaning Healey has played a key role in over ten Premiership finals, so he knows just how magical the day is.

“It's a huge occasion. I remember when Aviva were sponsors, the whole stadium was yellow, there were flags everywhere and Gallagher have taken over and they have done exactly the same,” said Healey. “We have bits to do as commentators and pundits before the game, and one of my favourite bits is where you welcome the players as they walk in either off the bus or down through the tunnel.

“You go through the Lion Gates at Twickenham Stadium and you look up and the whole place, there are people everywhere, there's a line of supporters waving flags and cheering. It's a proper event. Most games you turn up half an hour or an hour before the game, have a couple of pints and then leave quickly because you want to get home. Not the Premiership final. 

“At the Premiership final you get there two or three hours before, you soak up the atmosphere, you go around the village, you go to all the sponsors' areas, and then you see the teams walk in and you go and find your seats at Twickenham. We have seen some unbelievable games in the finals. Thinking back to Northampton scoring in the last seconds, Leicester versus Northampton was another big one. Saracens, obviously Exeter Chiefs winning for the first time.

"It’s the culmination of all the hard work and all the effort that players, coaches and fans put in to support their team and get them to where they want to all be.”

As a player Healey played in some of the biggest games in rugby, winning two Heineken Cups with Leicester, playing 51 times for England and going on two Lions tours where he played in two Test matches.

However, playing in the Premiership final is still something that remains very important to him. He said: “It's very special. I was obviously playing a little bit before it became so big. Over the last, I'd say probably ten years, it has got bigger and bigger and bigger.  

“Looking back, beating Bath in 2001 was my favourite game. It was probably when I was at the peak of my playing performance and I was involved in a fantastic team, arguably the best Tigers team ever.  

“That day was a very hot afternoon, I always remember how hot the finals seemed to be. Then for the last ten years, I have actually had the most privileged duty, which is to award the Peter Deakin medal for the player of the match.”

Last year’s epic final saw Harlequins clinch their second title with a nail-biting 40-38 win, prompting Healey to describe it as his favourite Premiership final but this year promises to be just as exciting with the return of a capacity crowd at Twickenham after two years of reduced attendances due to Covid-19.

With Healey’s old side Leicester right back at the peak of their powers and hosting a semi-final at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, it is a final that he is particularly eager to see. “The favourites to get to the final have got to be Leicester and Saracens, the two best sides this year," said the 48-year-old.

“Quins have had a few little blips along the way, but they look very, very strong now. Arguably the way Saints played in the comeback against Saracens last week was very impressive, but Leicester versus Saracens will be the final. As a pundit and a commentator, you always think that you know what is going to happen.

“Every final I can remember, something has shocked me. It's got me to my feet and made me realise just how amazing rugby is. It's not robotic, it's full of passion, it's full of inventiveness, and we should see some amazing pieces of skill regardless of who's in the final this year.”