Rugby Union: Healey: `I may quit'

ENGLAND BACK Austin Healey is threatening to quit professional rugby if his three-week ban for stamping is significantly extended today.

He was suspended for three weeks by his club, Leicester, after he was accused of stamping on London Irish's ex-Springbok scrum-half Kevin Putt, and clearly fears more punishment when the Rugby Football Union meets to decide how he should be dealt with.

The 25-year-old specialist half-back, who plays on the wing for England, has already missed two Five Nations victories for his country and received a threatening letter from Ireland during his current ban.

His absence also forces him to the sidelines for possible World Cup selection. He was reported as saying: "If the RFU ban me for the rest of the season, I'll probably retire from the game."