Tug of war over kicking guru Alred
February 2, 2001

On the eve of England's opening Six Nations clash in Cardiff their goal-kicking guru Dave Alred is the subject of a tug-of-war between the RFU and the British Lions.

Wales and Lions coach Graham Henry has requested that Alred join his coaching set-up for this summer's tour to Australia. Although the RFU agreed to the initial request they insist he must complete his duties with England on the tour to North America that also takes place this summer before hoe joins up with the Lions.

Henry of course wants the kicking supremo to be on board from the start of the tour but England's tour does not finish until mid-June, meaning he would miss the first two weeks of the Lions trip.

Woodward will lose coach Andy Robinson and defence specialist Phil Larder for the entire Lions tour and believes he can ill-afford to release Alred as well.

Lions manager Donal Lenihan told the Daily Mail, "Ideally, we want our whole management team to be together from the start. Dave Alred would be available from June 15, which would mean missing the first three matches. While it's not a disaster, it's not a perfect scenario.

"I don't want to create a problem with England preparing for the Six Nations. If Dave is not available, I don't think anyone else is capable of doing the job." The RFU management board approved Alred's temporary release from his England contract last month but his appointment has still to be ratified.

An RFU official commented, "We gave Dave permission to go but not until we finish our American tour. If the Lions aren't happy with that, he won't be going."

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices