But then owner Woody Johnson came to Ryan's office and told him he was sticking around.

WSJ: Goal for Jets' Ryan remains same despite changes

"Once we appreciated his interest we were thrilled to sign him, " Gloucester coach Dean Ryan told the club website.

BBC: Gloucester sign Kiwi Somerville

Hamilton claimed Ryan - a McLaren employee for 35 years - had told him to deliberately "withhold information".

BBC: McLaren dismiss long-serving Ryan