Share

Gatland rules out Jonny call

London - British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland on Monday insisted he won't ask Jonny Wilkinson to join the forthcoming tour to Australia unless his squad is hit by injuries.

Wilkinson was crowned European player of the year on Sunday to cap a memorable weekend for the English stars, who had kicked Toulon to victory over Clermont Auvergne in the final of the European Cup just 24 hours earlier.

The 33-year-old was asked to tour by Gatland before the 37-man squad was announced on April 30, but Wilkinson rejected the opportunity due to his commitments at Toulon and deteriorating fitness.

While Gatland confirmed that Wilkinson remains an option if either Jonathan Sexton or Owen Farrell is injured, he insists the fly-half's most recent heroics have failed to convince him another approach is necessary.

"We've been through the conversation that we had with Jonny and nothing's changed on that," Gatland said.

"If we picked up an injury on tour then maybe there's a conversation to be had.

"Jonny's a good player, but we've had the conversation about him."

Meanwhile, Gatland expects Leinster duo Brian O'Driscoll and Sean O'Brien to be on board Monday's flight to Hong Kong, where the tour opens against the Barbarians on June 1.

O'Driscoll should play in this weekend's Celtic League final against Ulster after making progress in his recovery from the back spasm that ruled him out of Friday's victory over Stade Francais.

O'Brien played in the European Challenge Cup final against Stade, only to pick up a knee injury that will sideline him for two weeks.

"Sean has been looked at by the medics and hopefully he'll spend this week with us," said Gatland, who was speaking at the Lions' week-long training camp just outside Dublin.

"He has a bit of bone bruising, but it was more positive than first thought.

"Brian is hoping to be fit to play this weekend. He's on his feet again."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
64% - 464 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
36% - 261 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE