Dallaglio avoids row over insurance

A potential row between Wasps and the British and Irish Lions has been averted. It had been feared that the Lions' insurance would not cover the injury which has put Wasps' club captain, Lawrence Dallaglio, out of action until next spring.

At the launch of the Zurich Premiership yesterday, Nigel Melville, the Wasps director of coaching, said the insurance company had agreed to pay up. That means the cost of Dallaglio's operation to repair his right anterior cruciate ligament will be covered, as well as his salary during his lay-off.

The insurance company is also paying for Wasps' hooker Phil Greening, who was another tour casualty. The total money involved is more than £300,000.

Melville has emerged as a key figure in persuading the England No 8 to pull out of the Lions tour following the match against New South Wales. "I could see when he ran out for that Waratahs' match that he was not right," Melville said.

The morning after, Melville and Dallaglio had breakfast. Melville said: "I said his playing reputation was at stake and that if he could not do himself justice, he should not carry on."

Dallaglio would not commit on when he would be ready to return to action. "Six months is probably the best-case scenario, nine to 12 months the worst."

Cardiff have included Andrew Henry, the 20-year-old son of the Wales and Lions coach Graham, on their left wing against Neath in a Celtic League tie tomorrow night. Henry Jnr, who is studying at Cardiff University, is not qualified to play for the principality. However, he has said: "I'm not good enough for New Zealand, but I would love to play for Wales."