Now Healey faces England ban

Austin Healey's international career hangs in the balance after England manager Clive Woodward joined Lions officials in condemning the behaviour of Leicester's controversial player.

The Lions tour committee will consult the Rugby Football Union before deciding what action to take against Healey for comments made in his newspaper column. He insulted Australian lock Justin Harrison, whom he described as 'an ape' and 'a plank'.

Woodward, who has summoned Matt Dawson following his public criticism of the Lions management, said he will also speak to Healey, adding: 'We don't know why the players are doing it. They are making us look silly.'

A Lions spokesman said: 'This is a serious matter. The player could be in real trouble because the sport cannot tolerate this behaviour.'

Healey almost certainly faces a fine from the Lions for alleged breach of his tour contract and the RFU are already under pressure to take their own action against the player over his attack on Wallaby lock Harrison which Lions coach Graham Henry described yesterday as 'unforgivable'.

The RFU will consult Woodward over any punishment. In the past, he has banished Leicester hooker Richard Cockerill from the England squad over remarks in a book which were considered a betrayal of trust.