Sexton Injury Issues The Main Reason For Lions Exclusion Says Gatland

RUGBY UNION

Lions head coach Warren Gatland didn’t feel Jonathan Sexton would be able for the rigours of a tour of South Africa.

The Ireland captain’s name was a high profile omission from the squad of 37 named by Gatland today.

Eight Ireland players are included, with first-time Lions Bundee Aki, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan and Andrew Porter among them.

But there was no James Ryan, nor his Leinster teammate Garry Ringrose.

Gatland has been explaining Sexton’s absence.