It’s emerged that a number of potential ‘bolters’ have emerged into the running to make Warren Gatland’s 2021 British & Irish Lions squad.
This year there could be something of a throwback to a bygone age, when surprise picks were more commonplace, with a number of players rumoured to be in contention for a shock call-up.
Gatland has sent letters to more than 50 potential players to check their availability for this summer’s tour of South Africa.
Among them, according to the Mail, are ‘a number of current non-internationals.’
Here are five players who are thought to be among the players who received a letter.
#5. Danny Care
- Position: Scrum-half
- Age: 34
Care is thought to be in the mix for Gatland’s final squad. The 34-year-old has not featured for England since the 2018 autumn Test win against Japan but his club form has put him in contention for a first Lions tour. That Ben Youngs has ruled himself out of contention only aids Care’s cause in a position considered to be among the most open.
Did you know? Care is the only England rugby player to win medals at the Commonwealth Youth Games and the senior Commonwealth Games.