5 potential Lions bolters who received a letter from Warren Gatland

Monday, 03 May 2021 at 19:44

byRugby Rucker

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.

#4. Kieran Hardy (Wales)

Position: Scrum-half
Age: 25

The 25-year-old scrum-half has made only three Test starts for Wales, but might have been the man in possession of Wales' pass-the-parcel nine shirt but for an untimely hamstring injury in a superb try-scoring display against England.

#3. Sam Simmonds (England)

Position: Number 8
Age: 26

has emerged as a shock potential “bolter” for the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa, the Guardian understands. On South Africa's firm ground, with a point to prove, could he be an ace in the hole for the Lions?

#2. Cameron Redpath (Scotland)

Position: Centre
Age: 21

Redpath has made only one international appearance. But what an appearance it was. The 21-year-old centre strolled through Scotland's first win at Twickenham in 38 years, making the step up to the Test arena look effortless. He'd not let anyone down.

#1. Marcus Smith (England)

Position: Fly-half
Age: 22

The fly-half has emerged as a shock potential “bolter” for the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa, according to the Guardian. Smith has been in fine form for Harlequins this season and it is believed he is among the group of more than 50 players to have received a letter sounding him out about his potential availability this summer.