Sean O'Brien last night released a statement on Twitter in an attempt to clarify his criticism of the Lions' coaching team for the summer's tour of New Zealand.
The Leinster back row felt that it was a tour the Lions could have won 3-0 with the right coaching.
In particular, O'Brien was critical of attack coach Rob Howley. According to O'Brien, it was Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell who were responsible for the Lions' attacking shape - their plan was better than Howley's.
In his statement, the Ireland international said he has 'nothing but respect for Warren Gatland and the coaching team'. However, he also wonders how if questions are not asked, how improvements can be made.
To be clear, my views on the Lions tour were honest and genuine and solely with the intention of building on what was a great tour.
Unfortunately some people have focused on what I feel we could have done better instead of what we did well.
I have nothing but respect for Warren and the whole coaching team, in addition to the rest of the back room staff and squad of players. But do I believe we - the players and coaches - could have done better? Yes. Do I believe we could have won the series?
Yes. Do I believe the Lions squad in 2021 will be better for this? Yes.
If we don't look to build on and improve on the tour to New Zealand how can future Lions squads get better?
It is a privilege and an honour to be called a British & Irish Lion and I hope that this clarifies my position once and for all.
The Times today reports that Gatland will seek to 'confront' O'Brien about his views. That confrontation will likely happen via a phone call rather than in person.
Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
