Warren Gatland reveals how close Garry Ringrose was to making the Lions squad

Garry Ringrose was surely hoping his summer tour would be to New Zealand and not starting in New Zealand.

The 22-year-old Ireland international missed out on selection for the 2017 British & Irish Lions squad, this afternoon, despite a fine start to his Test career. Warren Gatland named 11 Irish players in his 41-man squad and confirmed Wales flanker Sam Warburton would captain the select side for the second time. The inclusions of Jared Payne, Ben Te'o and Ross Moriarty were the surprises but there were a few interesting exclusions. https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/854654570601033729 Despite earning praise from the likes of Brian O'Driscoll and Lawrence Dallaglio, Ringrose did not make the cut but Warren Gatland revealed how close he came. Debates on second row and midfield raged all the way into Tuesday afternoon, said Gatland, with Te'o and Payne getting the nod. He added:

"Garry was very unlucky to miss out."

"There was some discussion and debate," he later told Sky Sports News. "The most discussion was on midfield but it was a big decision leaving out [England lock] Joe Launchbury." https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/854676646586183681 While Gatland praised Payne for his backline leadership and winning record over southern hemisphere sides [four wins, two losses], it seems as though Te'o edged Ringrose out. Gatland said:

"There was a big call on taking Ben Te'o... He has a proven impact off the bench and we felt we needed to have someone like him included."

Gatland, then, included two Kiwis at the expense of the likes of Ringrose, Jamie Roberts, Alex Dunbar and Scott Williams. Contentious, in some circles, but once they set off for New Zealand they will be Lions, first and foremost.