Warren Gatland explains Mike Brown's omission
The fullback was 'gutted' by the decision
British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland was forced to defend his omission of England full-back Mike Brown at yesterday's press conference.
The fullback had told The Rugby Paper he had been “gutted” by the decision – highlighting his form since 2015.
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Warren Gatland responded, explaining that a number of players are in a similar position.
“I spoke to Graham Rowntree [Harlequins and Lions forward coach], who said he spoke to Mike about the Lions,” said the New Zealander.
“I can understand the frustration and the disappointment.
"I am more than happy for him [Brown] to give me a call if he feels he’s been hard done by.
“There are a number of players in the same situation. When we select a squad and make a decision, it’s not always about the rugby content.”
Gatland reported a “clean bill of health” in terms of injuries, with Lions skipper Sam Warburton (knee) and Alun Wyn Jones (shoulder) both fit and dismissed concerns about fly-half Dan Biggar.
