British and Irish Lions 2013: Sir Clive Woodward claims Australia are treating tour with 'contempt'

Former England manager warns Australia may never host a Lions tour again

British and Irish Lions Owen Farrell and Sam Warburton (left) during a recovery session at City Beach, Perth in Australia (PA)

Former England boss Sir Clive Woodward has warned Australia they may never host another British and Irish Lions tour if they continue to treat the tourists with “contempt”.

The Lions are set to face an under-strength Western Force side later today, something which Woodward feels devalues the tour.

Woodward, who led the Lions to New Zealand in 2005, wrote in the Daily Mail: "It is unacceptable and disgraceful to cobble together a weakened, second-string club team to play against some of the best players in the world on one of the great rugby tours.

"Having lived and worked in Australia for five years, there is no bigger supporter of Australian sport but what on earth is going on? Can you imagine Leicester inviting the All Blacks to Welford Road and putting out a second-string side? It simply would not happen.

"Treating the Lions with such contempt threatens to undermine their status in the global game.

"The Lions come to Australia once every 12 years but if this is how they are going to be treated in this country then they should seriously consider whether to return."

The Force are hamstrung in selection by having a Super Rugby fixture against NSW Waratahs on Sunday.

PA