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The real reason behind James Ryan's so-called Lions snub

By Ian Cameron
(Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside via Getty Images)

While the appointment of Conor Murray as British & Irish Lions caught many off guard late last night, it’s another Warren Gatland call that has left some fans scratching their collective heads.

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Despite their comfortable victory over Japan, the Lions have been left reeling at the loss of their captain, Alun Wyn Jones, who will play no further part in the tour after dislocating his shoulder.

Many Ireland and Scotland rugby fans in particular are confused at the selection of Wales and Ospreys lock Adam Beard ahead of James Ryan and Jonny Gray respectively. While Beard had a solid Guinness Six Nations campaign, many had presumed one of either Ryan or Gray would be favourites to replace Jones.

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Maro Itoje | All Access | Episode 2 – What is it like playing for Saracens rugby club?

Jim Hamilton sits down with Vitality ambassador and former teammate Maro Itoje before he jets off to South Africa for the British & Irish Lions Series.
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Maro Itoje | All Access | Episode 2 – What is it like playing for Saracens rugby club?

Jim Hamilton sits down with Vitality ambassador and former teammate Maro Itoje before he jets off to South Africa for the British & Irish Lions Series.
The Saracens lock told us all about Saracens rugby club and the defining effect it has had on his rugby career.

Both were left out of the initial selection in May, Ryan’s omission in particular drawing fire in the Irish press. Ryan had been a bolted-on Lion in 2020, but the consensus was that mediocre Autumn Nations Cup and Six Nations form had cost him a spot on the plane.

The real reason for his omission appears to be pretty mundane. Journalist Cian Treacy, reporting in the Irish Independent.ie, says Ryan has in fact picked up an injury in Ireland camp, effectively ruling out a late Lions call-up.

Gray’s omission however seems to have come down to Gatland’s subjective selection policy. The former Glasgow Warrior scored a try in Exeter Chiefs Gallagher Premiership final defeat to Harlequins, but it looks like it’s going to be second time unlucky for the Scotland lock, who was also one of the most contentious omissions from Gatland’s 2017 squad for New Zealand.

The 6’8 Beard earned most of 25 caps under Gatland and he’s a player who debuted under the New Zealander.

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“It’s very disappointing,” Gatland said in the immediate aftermath of Jones’ injury. “He’s been around rugby long enough but he’ll be gutted. We need to call someone in, get them PCR tested and hopefully get them on the flight tomorrow.

“The decision’s pretty much made. I was speaking to the physios and they’ve spoken to Alun Wyn. He understands the very best case scenario is that he may get back for the Tests.

“We’re discussing a couple of names at the moment with the coaches. Also potentially who will take over as tour captain. It’s very, very early days for us.”

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Trevor 2 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 6 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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