Watch: Big smiles everywhere as the Lions assemble for the first time - Ruck

Watch: Big smiles everywhere as the Lions assemble for the first time

The British & Irish Lions are in London today, meeting up as a squad for the very first time since the touring squad was named a couple of weeks back.

For some players it’s a completely new experience, while for others they get to see some familiar faces having toured previously.

Among them were Scotland scrumhalf Greig Laidlaw, who was called up over the weekend following the withdrawal of England’s Ben Youngs after his brother Tom’s wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

“It’s kind of like the first day of school, they are a bit nervous and apprehensive, but they’re introducing themselves so it’s pretty exciting,” said Warren Gatland.

The New Zealander added that this was not the time for any big motivational speeches but the coaches will be addressing the players about the expectations that come with being a Lion and the particular challenge of touring New Zealand.

“We’ve got plenty of preparation ahead of us,” he said. “But all the heads of department will start getting their messages across today.”