Rugby: Home unions in Lions cash row

The Rugby Football Union has begged the southern hemisphere nations to give them a fair deal over Home Unions’ contribution to Lions tours.

Coach Graham Henry and his 37-man squad fly out to Australia later this month in what will be a bumper payday for the Wallabies.

The last Lions tour to South Africa lost £400,000 a cost met by the Home Unions and there is little chance that the Lions will fare any better financially this time.

RFU chief executive Francis Baron admitted: ‘‘Lions matches are controlled by the host unions and that is a bone of contention for us.

‘‘We believe that the Lions is such a strong brand that it should control its own rights.

‘‘We should at least divide the money between the host and participating unions.

‘‘At the moment we get no share of the TV money, no share of the gates or sponsorship. It is not a sensible way forward.’’

The release of kicking coach Dave Aldred, forwards coach Andy Robinson and defence coach Phil Larder to the Lions while England tour North America means three key figures in Clive Woodward’s backroom team must be replaced at a cost.

Woodward has also lost 18 players to the Lions squad, leaving a huge gap in his plans for the summer.

RFU Management Board chairman Brian Baister added: ‘‘There is disruption to the England tour, when the players get back they will be tired.

‘‘They may not be ready for three or four games when they get back and, without the Lions in matches, will that knock the capacity of crowds down.

‘‘We need compensation. At the moment we have a lot of pain and very little gain.’’

With the British Lions committee already seeking a complete restructuring of the current terms of engagement, there is hope things may change in time for the next tour.

Baron added: ‘‘TV rights are worth a lot to Australia and the four Home Unions need a cut.

‘‘In future, the Lions needs a change in thinking so we all get that. In four years’ time we need a new system in which the commercial issues are agreed by everyone.

‘‘The issue is already on the agenda for SANZAR and although it won’t be easy, we are confident we can reach agreement with them.’’

Meanwhile, the RFU have signed a sponsorship deal with Emirates Airline for the London leg of the IRB Sevens Series.

England head coach Clive Woodward said: ‘‘As a coach, you always look at your own development and I know mine was enhanced through sevens.

‘‘There is no player in the back line or the back row whose development will not be enhanced through sevens.

‘‘We intend for this to be a fundamental part of the development of young players in this country.’’