Hickie was educated in St Marys College and University College Dublin and played for Ireland at Schools, U19, U21 and A levels and sevens. He made his debut for Ireland A in the 70th minute of 55–22 victory over Wales A on 2 February 2002. Hickie played as a
hooker and played professional rugby for
Leinster, helping them win the inaugural
Celtic League in 2001. Hickie went on to play for the
London Irish RFC and
Worcester Warriors. Hickie played with the
Leicester Tigers helping the team win the
Guinness Premiership in 2007. Hickie also played rugby in the United States with
Belmont Shore RFC in the
Rugby Super League (US). and
NPR's All Things Considered show and writing for The Rugby Site In September 2015
Bloomsbury Publishing published his book
Rugby Revealed, written with co-author Eilidh Donaldson, and featuring advice from professional players. ==Personal==