“If I think about the importance of the Lions, it’s the history of the Lions and the traditions that go with the Lions going back to 1888 and the first Tests in 1899. “We’re proud of our history with the Lions and think that partnership with the Lions is a long-standing one and it should endure the test of time.” Waugh’s comments came after a week of tension between Lions management and Rugby Australia, sparked by Lions chief executive Ben Calveley saying on Monday that Australia coach Joe Schmidt risked breaching the tour agreement if he didn’t release Wallabies players for Lions tour matches. Waugh and Calveley met on Wednesday in Perth, along with their respective executive teams, where the RA boss re-iterated the host union’s intention to release select Wallabies to their Super teams.