Warren Gatland has revealed that he will take a much smaller squad to South Africa in 2021 compared to New Zealand four years prior.
The Lions boss 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.
“Maybe a 20-15 split (forwards to backs) or a 20-16 split. In doing that, we’ll probably name a standby squad.
“Because we don’t have a game before the first Test, which has been a real pressure in the past because you’re trying to protect your Lions matchday 23, that makes it a heck of a lot easier in terms of preparation for the first Test week.
“You pick a squad of 35 or 36, three players in certain positions, but they can engage fully up until the end of the tour. If you’re not in the 23, you’re only a performance or an injury away from getting selected or being in the squad.”
JOIN THE RUCK:
After over 38,000 votes, rugby fans pick Lions XV for 2021
Fullback: Stuart Hogg (Scotland) - 51%
Honourable mention: Liam Williams (Wales) - 39%
Winger: Anthony Watson (England) - 66%
Honourable mention: Jacob Stockdale (Ireland) - 15%
Centre: Jonathan Davies (Wales) - 44%
Honourable mention: Manu Tuilagi (England) - 42%
Centre: Owen Farrell (England) - 64%
Honourable mention: Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) - 27%
Winger: Jonny May (England) - 55%
Honourable mention: Josh Adams (Wales) - 29%
Fly-half Finn Russell (Scotland) - 47%
Honourable mention: Johnny Sexton (Ireland) - 16%
Scrum-half: Conor Murray (Ireland) - 26%
Honourable mention: Rhys Webb (Wales) - 24%
Prop: Mako Vunipola (England) - 64%
Honourable mention: Ellis Genge (England) - 20%
Hooker: Jamie George (England) - 66%
Honourable mention: Ken Owens (Wales) - 15%
Prop: Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) - 57%
Honourable mention: Kyle Sinckler (England) - 36%
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Lock: Maro Itoje (England) - 76%
Honourable mention: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales) - 12%
Lock: James Ryan (Ireland) -35%
Honourable mention: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales) - 33%
Flanker: Tom Curry (England) - 73%
Honourable mention: Josh Navidi (Wales) - 12%
Flanker: Sam Underhill (England) - 43%
Honourable mention: Justin Tipuric (Wales) - 33%
Number 8: Billy Vunipola (England) - 51%
Honourable mention: Taulupe Faletau (Wales) - 22%
