Phillips: I can sort out Lions problems

WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips believes he can end the impasse between Premiership Rugby and the Lions over the 2021 tour to South Africa.

Lions bosses want their team be given another week of training before they travel, but PRL chief Mark McCafferty describes such a move as “suicidal” to his competition. Phillips told The Rugby

Paper: “It’s not tough to get to the bottom of. There’s a phrase which springs to mind – ‘When the elephants fight, it’s the grass that gets trampled’.

“We’ve got some elephants fighting and it’s not the right approach.

“With the Lions there are two groups who matter, the players and the supporters. It’s hugely important to both of those and it’s up to someone like me to make it work.”

As WRU chief, Phillips sits on the Lions board and added: “I don’t think it

should be a case of what the club game has to give up for the Lions to get what they want.

“We need to be better than that and we’ve solved much more difficult things. I can’t imagine we can’t work through this and sort it out.”

Wales’ summer tour clashes with South Africa and Argentina are being screened on Channel 4 and Phillips insists the WRU will continue to explore new television opportunities.

That’s despite the Springbok clash in Washington being hit by severe broadcast problems. “There were a few issues, but in sport the television market is changing rapidly,” Phillips said.

“We want to be at the forefront of that and I guess we’re open to taking risks because we can’t afford to stand still. I’d rather break a few eggs to make an omelette and learn a few things along the way than not try at all.”

Phillips is also confident Wales can keep hold of defence coach Shaun Edwards for the World Cup despite him being linked with England.

“We’ve got the coaching team we have because we believe they can do a good job at the World Cup. I’d like to think Shaun is very committed and loyal to the cause,” he said.