ENGLISH RFU

president John Spencer claims he knows nothing about his former Lions colleague and fellow solicitor Mike Gibson (right) winning ‘substantial damages’ over Spencer’s false allegations he manipulated team selection on the 1971 Lions series win in New Zealand. The settlement announced in the High Court in Belfast follows Former Ireland player Gibson’s claim for libel against Polaris Publishing, whose book When Lions Roared contained Spencer’s comments. An RFU spokeswoman said: ‘John was not aware of the court hearing. He has a strong friendship with Mike Gibson and holds him the highest regard.’ It is understood Spencer was in hospital when the book interview questions took place.