5 biggest names who AREN'T on Warren Gatland's standby list

Some big names were always going to miss out on the squad, but to not be even named on the reserve list will be a cruel blow to these huge names,

The wing’s form has dropped off a bit this year, but his absence will still come as a shock to many. He has a brilliant try-scoring record for England and is one of the best finishers around. However, a report in The Times suggests Gatland doesn’t see him as a brilliant player and sees him as more of a ‘speed’ merchant.

Reported Standby list: Jack Nowell (England), Jonny May (England), James Lowe (Ireland), Simon Zebo (Ireland), Hugo Keenan (Ireland), Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)

During the 2021 Six Nations, Dan Biggar came under huge pressure to keep his Wales place, with Bristol's Sheedy breathing down his neck. However, the talented fly-half hasn't made the standby list while Biggar heads to South Africa as favourite to start for the Lions.

Reported Standby list: Johnny Sexton (Ireland), George Ford (England), Marcus Smith (England)

Given how much was made of England not selecting Marler to start the World Cup final, with his scrummaging power missed, his case for selection by the Lions to face South Africa seemed strong. However, with Marler himself admitting he was a bit of a 'sh**' in 2017 it seems he's not even being considered for a call-up.

Reported standby list: Cian Healy (Ireland), Rhys Carre (Wales), Ellis Genge (England

Arguably the best reader of play in the game, we can also call him the best goal-kicker in the world, if you like. Injuries hit Halfpenny at the wrong time during the Six Nations, but the Lions player of the series in 2013 remains a class act.

Standby list: Jack Nowell (England), Jonny May (England), James Lowe (Ireland), Simon Zebo (Ireland), Hugo Keenan (Ireland)

Perhaps the biggest name to have been left out by Gatland. He has started all six of the Lions’ most recent Test matches and was named player of the series by his team-mates after touring New Zealand in 2017.

Reported standby list: Manu Tuilagi (England), Henry Slade (England), Cameron Redpath (Scotland), Garry Ringrose (Ireland)