Lions Officials Take Tougher Stance Over 'Terrible' Contract

Lions officials are attempting to end a “terrible” deal that will see Australia bank an estimated £50M ($76M) from this summer’s three-Test tour while the Four Home Unions will collect just £1.5M ($2.2M) each, according to Chris Jones of the London EVENING STANDARD. A new TV deal, starting with the '17 Lions tour to New Zealand, "will see them receive a share of the multi-million pound contract for rights sold by the host nation." At present, the SANZAR Unions -- South Africa, New Zealand and Australia -- keep that money, with the Lions "unable to claim a slice of the pie." However, growing disquiet from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales over the handling of the last contract "has seen a much tougher stance being taken at negotiations" (EVENING STANDARD, 5/21).