Martyn Thomas Quotations

I think it is fitting that we have a big fixture to celebrate the opening of the stand. I hope we can reach an agreement with the clubs.

The performance in Paris was unacceptable. We will do what is necessary to enhance our chances of doing well in the World Cup. If that means making changes, so be it, but we are not going into panic mode.

It is now time for us to move on from this dispute and seek resolution of the other issues between us.

Premier Rugby has said to us on a number of occasions that it would settle for half the amount owing for the Lions. We thought it appropriate to use the rest of the money to help players whose lives were badly affected by injuries.

Those aspersions are very unfair - grossly unfair. Andy is an honest man, a sincere man, and he speaks from the heart. He is immensely loyal, and is deeply upset by what has happened. What came across most clearly as we went through this long review process is the great confidence expressed in him by the England players. That was very important in terms of our deliberations.

Clubs are killing the players. Careers are getting shorter.

In the course of our negotiations, Premier Rugby made it quite clear they will settle for 50 percent of the Lions money. We thought it appropriate to use the rest of the money to help players whose lives were badly affected by injuries.

There are people within the RFU who are well aware of the implications. It is tremendous theatre but, as certain owners have said to me, hangings are exciting as long as you're not the person getting hanged. It's something we've got to sit down and talk about. Anything is on the table.

What came across from the survey of their members conducted by the Professional Rugby Players' Association, as well as the squad and the captain, was that Andy had the support and confidence of the players. Andy is an honest, sincere guy who speaks from the heart. He was upset at what happened in the Six Nations.

There is merit in that argument. I see no logic, though, in committing coaching suicide as per the Welsh.