Howley and Quinnell in bid for Lions swansong

Rob Howley said he wants to finish his career with the Lions after scoring the try which helped Wasps beat Leeds 33-10 to register their first win of the season.

The former Wales scrum half, 32, retired from international rugby last season but now says he wants to go to New Zealand in 2005.

He said: 'I've still got that ambition to play for the Lions. To do it I would have to be in good physical shape and playing well. But if someone asked me, I'd have to say yes. Just because you're not playing international rugby doesn't mean you would be ruled out.'

Scott Quinnell would love to join him in New Zealand, even though he also gave up playing for Wales last season.

Quinnell, still a major force with Llanelli, said: 'If I was asked to make a third Lions tour, I would go tomorrow. I'm enjoying my rugby at the moment in a way that I haven't done for a very long time.'

Newcastle manager Rob Andrew criticised World Cup referee Tony Spreadbury after his side hung on for a scrappy 9-8 win against Sale at Kingston Park.