Sam Simmonds reveals details of 'private' chat with Warren Gatland

The Exeter Chiefs number 8  has not played for England since his seventh cap back in 2018, but has been in superb form for his club and leads the Premiership scoring charts.

"Earlier in the year we had a brief chat because I wasn't playing in the Six Nations," revealed Simmonds.

"Warren told me not to worry about that, to keep playing well for my club.

"He said if you keep doing what you're doing, then we'll see what happens. It was quite nice to have that reassurance. If nothing comes of it, at least I know I've performed well.

"Even though I haven't been playing international rugby I know I'm getting the same chances as the other boys are."

Here are five players who are thought to be among the players who received a letter from Gatland.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.