Warren Gatland Reveals Six Players He’s Keeping Tabs For Lions Selection

Warren Gatland already has a number of players in mind for the Lions tour this summer.

The head coach has been scouting for the past number of months and will continue right through the Six Nations as he tries to assemble a team to take down the mighty All Blacks in New Zealand this summer.

Gatland will reveal his British & Irish Lions squad on April 19th but it looks like he’s already starting to slowly pick a few players already that he thinks can do a number of Steve Hansen’s men.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Gatland noted he was fully aware of the dangers of naming players and made it clear that it doesn’t mean they’re automatically on the plane. It didn’t stop him naming six players however.

Gatland names Owen Farrell and Jonathan Joseph of England, Scotland’s Stuart Hogg and Ireland duo Robbie Henshaw and Tadhg Furlong. To think the Wexford man would be name-dropped by the Lions boss a few weeks back and people would think you’re gone mad. It shows just how far the tighthead has come.

The Lions boss also mentions Ireland and Munster scrumhalf Conor Murray, who let’s face it- already has a spot booked on the plane to New Zealand next summer.

“I’ve been really impressed with Furlong. Tadhg Furlong,” Gatland said.

“He’s done a great job and hopefully his form continues.”

Gatland also noted that the final game of the tournament between England and Ireland may turn into the trial of all trial when it comes to Lions selection.

“In 2013 the last game between Wales and England probably turned into a trial for half a dozen players, in terms of players who ended up going on the tour and those who missed out.

“We may see the same thing happen this time.”

Roll on the Six Nations.