Johnny Sexton Takes Aim at Warren Gatland in Fiery Lions Row
Rugby NewsThursday, 01 May 2025 at 21:52
podcast, O'Driscoll recalled the hurt of not even being included in training sessions during that week.
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.
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Johnny Sexton: Disappointed by Lions Exclusion
In his 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."
Sean O'Brien: 2017 Series Could Have Been Won
Former Ireland flanker Sean O’Brien, who started all three Tests of the drawn 2017 series against New Zealand, has also been vocal about his frustrations. Speaking in interviews, O’Brien argued that with a more structured gameplan, the Lions could have won the series 3-0.
“If we had a little more structure during the weeks, and more of an attack gameplan driven earlier in the tour, I think we could have won 3-0,” he said.
O’Brien further noted the depth of talent in the Lions squad, stating that they had the potential to win all the Tests.
Finn Russell: Missed Opportunities in 2021 Series
Scottish fly-half Finn Russell, who featured in the 2021 Lions series, recently reflected on the tactical approach in the matches. Speaking on the Scottish Rugby podcast, Russell suggested that the Lions were too conservative in their play, particularly in the first two Tests.
“I thought that all three Tests we should have played more rugby and gone at them a little bit more,” Russell remarked, referring to the lack of expansive play.
He shared his frustrations about sitting on the bench, thinking they were repeating the same mistakes from previous games. Upon coming on during the third Test, Russell attempted to introduce a more dynamic style of play.
Brian O'Driscoll: Pain of Exclusion in 2013
One of the most high-profile omissions of Gatland’s tenure came in 2013 when Brian O’Driscoll was dropped for the final Test against Australia. Speaking on The Rugby Centurions
“I came down on the Friday and on our whiteboard it said, ‘Non-23 are not needed at training’. I found that very difficult,” O’Driscoll said.
He shared his belief that players who weren’t selected should still have the opportunity to contribute to the team’s preparation. "In so many teams, it’s those that don’t get chosen that prep the team for battle."
O’Driscoll expressed that the experience of being excluded from training left a lasting impact.
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