Warren Gatland Responds To Mike Brown’s Rant About Lions Exclusion

“It’s not always about the rugby content.”

Lions head coach Warren Gatland has responded to England fullback Mike Brown’s comments about being left out of the touring party this summer.

The Harlequins man made it clear he was not impressed with Gatland’s decision to instead choose Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams, Stuart Hogg and Jared Payne a fullback options for the trip to New Zealand.

“I didn’t take it well. I was gutted. I feel I’ve played really well from 2015 onwards so it was really disappointing to get the call, but you can’t let one man’s decision define you.” Brown told The Rugby Paper

“It’s really disappointing for guys like myself, James Haskell and Dylan Hartley because we probably won’t get another opportunity. I’ve had no feedback about being on standby either, which is also disappointing, so I’m not going to keep up false hopes.

“Instead I’ll reset my goals and concentrate fully on England and the excitement of going on a tough Argentina tour.”

Speaking at yesterday’s Lions gathering, Gatland says he can understand his frustration, but he’s certainly no the only player feeling it.

“I heard about his comments this morning and spoke to Graham Rowntree who said he had spoken to Mike about the Lions. I’ve not spoken to Mike.

“I can understand the frustration and the disappointment and I’m more than happy for him to give me a call if he feels he’s been hard done by. There’s a number of players probably in the same situation.”

Gatland wasn’t done there however, taking a swipe at Brown and people’s perception of him.

“When we select a squad and make a decision on players it’s not always about the rugby content.”

Warren Gatland 1-0 Mike Brown.