1
Lions 2017: Twitter reacts to Gatland's selection
By Russell Greaves
Warren Gatland courted controversy when he named his 41-man British and Irish Lions squad for the tour of New Zealand.
There were several notable absentees from the sizeable selection, while those who made the cut were evidently delighted.
Here, we take a look at the best reaction from Twitter.
WARBURTON GETS CAPTAINCY HONOUR
As in 2013, Sam Warburton was handed the captain's armband, with Gatland citing the Wales flanker's experience in the role as key to his decision.
The 28-year-old's selection was widely expected and warmly received, with Warburton himself revealing he had found out the news while in a supermarket car park.
Thanks for all the extremely kind messages. Amazing honour to captain the @lionsofficial again. Squad looks very very strong!
April 19, 2017
WASPS STUNG BY LAUNCHBURY EXCLUSION
Joe Launchbury's omission was one of the big talking points, after the lock helped England to a second consecutive Six Nations title.
He was nominated for the Player of the Championship, too, but that was not enough to win over Gatland, much to the surprise of club side wasps.
All gobsmacked here that Joe Launchbury wont be with @lionsofficial . 2 motm's in a 6 Nations winning campaign & player of the comp nominee
— Wasps (@WaspsRugby) April 19, 2017
What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger! @joe_launch will use disappointment this to fuel his future ambitions.
HARTLEY NOT TOO DOWNHEARTED
In the previous two tours the England captain was left out and Dylan Hartley continued that theme, unwillingly following in the footsteps of predecessors Steve Borthwick and Chris Robshaw.
He seemed to take it on the chin, though.
April 19, 2017
Well done Dylan , selection is never easy at any level - important to treat both with equal humility , sometime it goes with sometimes not https://t.co/kPOXbGvCaN
— Sir Clive Woodward (@CliveWoodward) April 19, 2017
KEEPING IT BRIEF
Some players weren't quite sure how to react, with Kyle Sinckler and Anthony Watson in particular apparently in shock.
Wow
— Kyle Sinckler (@KyleSinckler) April 19, 2017
It's all mad...
— Anthony Watson (@anthonywatson_) April 19, 2017
BEST OF THE REST
There were plenty of other professionals, past and present, with a thing or two to say about the Lions' line-up.
Congrats to all those selected for the British & Irish lions!
— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) April 19, 2017
Very proud of my boys @JoeMarler and @KyleSinckler getting the @lionsofficial call up! They will both do incredibly well out there
— Adam Jones (@adamjones3) April 19, 2017
Some big names in & some big names missing in 2days @lionsofficial squad..to those not picked it might seem cliche but
Trending on RugbyPass
2
All Blacks assistant labels Italy game 'messy'
3
Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' weaknesses
4
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy
5
Latest Comments
We should of beaten Italy much much easier and further.
Was lucky England lost the game - they should have beaten us ans were the better team on the field.
We also caught Ireland on a night where they were playing terrible footy.
Time for Razor to go before it’s too late. Test rugby is levels of magnitude up from Super rugby, and one simply does not make that transition with a snap of a finger. Boy is out of his depth and is hurting NZ rugby…
Go to commentsAny one of the four would've been a worthy recipient.
But my candidate is Ox.
Go to comments