The former Wales and Lions hooker said: “There is no conflict whatsoever between us and Sir Clive Woodward or his Lions team. We have an excellent working relationship with the Lions and we are fully supportive of what they are trying to do and achieve.
“If the Lions are going to be successful in New Zealand, everyone needs to get behind them. They have a difficult enough task on their hands without people in this country attacking them and their choices. I personally feel very strongly about this and would not want to be seen to be critical in any way. If we had any problems at all, we know Clive well enough to pick up the phone and talk to him.
“Obviously we were disappointed for Brent last week but that is only natural. I also stand by what I said which is that if a selection decision is 50/50, it is quite understandable for a coach to go for a player he knows well.”
