Aim to be world’s best or quit says Healey

AUSTIN Healy says this is the make or break year for a lot of Leicester’s youngsters and that if they don’t kick on they should quit the game.

Academy graduates such as Henry Walker, Lloyd Evans and Tom Seabrook have all broken into the first team squad, with full-back Freddie Steward leading the way.

Leicester shared the Premiership U18 league trophy with London Irish in February, after a 22-22 draw, having claimed the title the previous two years.

“Leicester’s academy has done very well over the last five years among other Premiership academies,” Healey said.

“You would expect these guys to step up and sit there in the changing room as they are about to go out and train and ask themselves the question of whether they are happy just being in the first team or if they want to kick on further.

“If they are happy to just be in the first team they should pack their bags and go be a bricklayer for a living – go get another job.

“Leicester’s success or lack thereof will derive from the ability of their young academy players to come through and make a name for themselves.”

Healey added: “We have seen that happen at Saracens while Leicester have been sticking plasters to their squad for far too long. Now they really need to rely on their academy as their bedrock.

“I like Freddie Steward at the back, Ben White has the potential to be England’s next No.9, George Worth is another back who really needs to kick on this year or become a bricklayer – no disrespect to all bricklayers out there.

“You have got to have aspirations to be the best player in the world – if they haven’t, go play somewhere else.”