WRU cool on Lions link

WARREN GATLAND’S hopes of leading the British and Irish Lions on next year’s tour of South Africa have been dented after the Welsh Rugby Union claimed they had every right to block his appointment.

Wales head coach Gatland insisted earlier in the week his current job was his priority but admitted it was “flattering” to be linked with the Lions role.

But WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis has played down the link, stressing: “When the story broke, I discussed it at length with Warren.