In recent months, several British & Irish Lions legends have publicly expressed their discontent with former head coach Warren Gatland.
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The latest to speak out is former Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton, joining a growing list of players dissatisfied with Gatland’s coaching methods and selections during his tenure across three Lions tours.
Johnny Sexton: Disappointed by Lions Exclusion
In his new autobiography Obsessed, Johnny Sexton reflects on his exclusion from the 2021 Lions tour. The Irish fly-half reveals that he never received direct communication from Gatland about the decision, despite believing his strong Six Nations form warranted a place on the squad.
“We’d never had a very close relationship,” Sexton admits in his book. “I was convinced he would bring me, based on the fact that we had been successful on previous tours.”
Personal Milestones and Career Aspirations
Sexton explains how a third Lions tour would have fulfilled a personal career goal. “There’s an exclusive club of players who have played in three or more Test series for the Lions, and I desperately wanted to be in it.”
Despite being a seasoned Lions player, Sexton was surprised by Gatland’s decision, particularly as it seemed to contradict previous tour selections based on Six Nations form.
Questioning the Selection Process
Sexton was particularly perplexed by the inclusion of eight Scottish players in the squad, stating: “When I saw the squad, it felt like he’d been guided by someone else. Eight Scots in the squad? Based on what?”
While acknowledging the honour of being selected for the Lions, Sexton remains disappointed by the lack of communication from Gatland. “I never heard from Gats. He wasn’t obliged to call me, of course, but it still kills me to this day.”