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Jamie Roberts looks set to be the surprise name in Warren Gatland’s squad
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Gatland concluded his final selection meeting on Tuesday afternoon
Reports on Tuesday suggest that Lions and Wales veteran Jamie Roberts is in line for a surprise inclusion into the British and Irish Lions squad for New Zealand.
Sky Sports report that Roberts is set to be included in Warren Gatland’s 37-man squad to tour New Zealand in June.
The 30-year-old centre has started his last six Tests on the bench for his country, with his last start coming in the win over Japan last November in Cardiff.
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Roberts is a veteran of two Lions tours from 2009 and 2013, playing pivotal roles in both, but injuries and loss of form this season had seen him slip down the pecking order, with Scott Williams preferred at inside centre.
Nevertheless, his vast experience of touring with the Lions’ is seen as invaluable on what seems likely to be the team’s toughest tour.
Jonathan Joseph, Joe Launchbury, Mike Brown and James Haskell are all understood to have missed out on the squad, which will be announced at midday local time on Wednesday outside London.