"No Finn Russell" - Warren Gatland selects his 2023 Lions squad, also picks no Welshman

He wrote in his column for The Telegraph: "I would not have any of my Wales players in the 23. It is simply a reflection of where we are as a team right now. I thought we improved as the Six Nations went on, but we still have a long way to go.

"I am confident that we will get better, and it would be interesting to see if we do this exercise again after the World Cup warm-up games and the World Cup itself, how much it would change. I have set some parameters in picking my 23.

"I have not included any player who was injured ahead of the final round of matches, which has ruled out the likes of Garry Ringrose, who probably would have been in my starting XV, and Finn Russell and Stuart Hogg."

Get your tickets to the Rugby World Cup matches at viagogo, the world’s leading ticket marketplace. Find out how by clicking here.

15. Hugo Keenan - Ireland

14. Duhan van der Merwe - Scotland

He wrote: "Mack Hansen is very unlucky here but I’m switching Duhan to the right wing. I think he is in much better shape physically than he was when he was with the Lions a couple of years ago. He caused defenders all sorts of problems, carried well and scored some outstanding tries. He has also definitely improved his aerial game, which was something he had to work on."

11. James Lowe - Ireland

13. Huw Jones - Scotland

12. Sione Tuipulotu - Scotland

He wrote: "I was also impressed with the impact Bundee Aki made for Ireland, but Sione has a superb all-around game. He does not just give you good go-forward ball but can make the pass and offload as well."

10. Johnny Sexton - Ireland

He wrote: "He had a tremendous Six Nations campaign and like a good wine seems to be getting better with age. He runs Test matches like a chess grandmaster – he has plenty of time on the ball and is excellent at making the right decisions in terms of when to run, pass or kick."

9. Jamison Gibson-Park - Ireland

1. Ellis Genge - England

He wrote: "I could have gone with an all-Irish front row but I really like what Ellis gives you around the field in terms of his energy and carrying - but Andrew Porter is unlucky."

2. Dan Sheehan - Ireland

3. Tadhg Furlong - Ireland

4. James Ryan - Ireland

5. Maro Itoje - England

He wrote: "I feel Maro has plateaued in the last few years since his upward curve when he burst onto the scene, but I still think he is a world-class lock. His line-out and mauling are top class and I still think there is more growth in him - another level."

6. Jack Conan - Ireland

7. Jack Van der Flier - Ireland

He wrote: "There are some great sevens around, but Josh is explosiv, quick and provides some diversity in terms of carrying. It is not surprising that he is world player of the year."

8. Caelan Doris - Ireland

16. George Turner - Scotland

17. Andrew Porter - Ireland

18. Zander Fagerson - Scotland

19. Jonny Gray - Scotland

20 Jamie Ritchie - Scotland

21. Alex Mitchell - England

He wrote: "This is my bolter selection. I really liked what Alex did from the bench for England. He was outstanding in bringing some pace when England needed it and he can bring extra speed to the game if we need to change things up."

22. Owen Farrell - England

He wrote: "I have gone for the experience and leadership of Owen. It could have Marcus Smith if he had more game time and obviously Finn Russell would have probably come into the 23 if he was fit."

23. Robbie Henshaw - Ireland