Gatland’s mistake in Prem call, says Goode

ANDY Goode has called out Warren Gatland for using Premiership players as ‘pawns’ – claiming it’s his first mistake as Lions coach.

Earlier this week, Gatland admitted English-based stars could see their Lions hopes harmed if a deal wasn’t reached over the release of players – much to the chagrin of Premiership clubs.

And now former England flyhalf Goode, in a column for RugbyPass, has joined in the criticism of Gatland’s comments.

“Players shouldn’t be used as pawns and Warren Gatland’s comments about the Premiership this week smack of political posturing,” he said.

“They may have been throwaway lines or he may have been asked to bring it up but players should not be missing out on a British & Irish Lions tour because they play in the Premiership rather than the PRO14.”

Goode pointed to the number of players who could be involved in crucial club matches at the tail end of the season and how, if Gatland did ignore Premiershipbased players, it could leave him short in certain positions.

“It just can’t happen and if you take the fly-half position as an example, it’s easy to see why. Who knows how far Saracens, Racing, Northampton and others will get in their respective competitions, but (Owen) Farrell, (Finn) Russell and Dan Biggar are all affected by this to some extent.

“Clearly anyone reaching the Premiership or Top 14 final is affected more than others, but the only realistic fly-half contender who isn’t bothered about all this is Johnny Sexton.

“I’m sure something will be sorted and announced, but these comments could lead to players feeling they have to go to their clubs and ask to be released early and that isn’t fair on them or the clubs.”

Goode pointed to the San Francisco agreement signed in 2017, that means an agreement will have to be reached between the Lions and Premiership clubs and compensation will have to be paid.

■ Wales and Lions legend John Dawes dies, aged 80: Page 3