LIST | 5 big names who WON’T be in the Lions squad in 2021

Gatz took 41 players on the last tour but has revealed the much smaller group next year.

“We’re probably looking at 35 or 36 players,” he said in a recent interview.

Therefore, the squad who jets off to South Africa next July is sure to leave a few big names behind.

Here, RUCK selects five huge names who we think could very well be the unlucky ones to miss out on selection.

Lads, it’s impossible to deny the centre was phenomenal four years ago in New Zealand and he was deservedly the man of the series - but when was the last time he honestly had decent game? Under Wayne Pivac, the 30-year-old has made five underwhelming appearances with an average score of 5/10 from player rating section during this period. We can pretend he’s the same player all we want, but it’s simply not true.

Might be being a bit brutal here, but May peaked last year and hasn’t been at his try-scoring best for a while now. Failed to score for Gloucester after rejoining them from Gloucester in July with his barren run stretching into his last two internationals. The speedster has now failed to cross the whitewash in his last nine hours of play. This would be unfortunate, but his badly timed dip in form could cost him a place on the Lions tour.

Another Welshman who started four years ago, but injuries really have began taking their toll on the powerhouse. He’s recently returned to the international fold but looks a shadow of his former self. CJ Stander, Billy Vunipola, Caelan Doris represent significant competition for a place in the squad.

On paper, he’s possibly the most talented player the British Isles has to offer. However, let’s be frank, the Scots' flair and unpredictability are not what Gatland looks for In a number 10. Against South Africa, he’ll want a playmaker who looks after the ball, which just isn’t Russell, who conceded five turnovers for Racing in the recent Champions Cup final. You can already imagine the outcry come June when Dan Biggar or George Ford are called up ahead of him

This is just sad. Nobody would complain about the back-rower making the squad, but let’s assume Gatland only going to select two open sides. There is a lot of competition with Justin Tipuric, Sam Underhill, Jack Willis and Josh van Der Flier battling out for those places. When it comes down to marginal picks, the Scots almost always miss out.

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