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Lions 2013: Jonny Wilkinson still in frame, says Warren Gatland

Last updated on .From the section Rugby Unioncomments233

Toulon fly-half Jonny Wilkinson

British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland says Jonny Wilkinson is in the frame for the Australia tour, but Toulon's success may hamper his hopes.

Wilkinson's side are five points clear at the top of the French Top 14 and on course for the play-offs.

The final takes place on 1 June, the same day as the first match of the Lions' tour in Hong Kong.

"If we take the France-based players, our preferred option is that they are on the plane with us," said Gatland.

"We know what a quality player Jonny is. He is out of international rugby but he is playing in a side that is winning, and he is definitely one we are keeping an eye on.

"The most difficult thing is we will be getting the squad together for almost the first time on the plane.

"But if you look at guys at Toulon for example, they could be playing in a final the same day as our first game in Hong Kong. So it is going to be difficult to integrate them and get them to be a part of the tour.

"It is not something we need to commit to now, and we will look at the strength-in-depth in certain positions, and injuries, but the idea is to have everyone on the plane together."

Wilkinson toured with the Lions in 2001 to Australia and 2005 to New Zealand.

Ireland's Jonny Sexton is favourite for the fly-half position in the Lions Test side after the autumn Tests.

But with Wales fly-half Rhys Priestland ruled out for the rest of the season with an Achilles injury, and Toby Flood, Owen Farrell and Freddie Burns battling for the England number 10 jersey, there are no clear rivals at this stage, with Wilkinson also in the frame.

Gatland conceded that despite the quality and depth available to him in the second row, back row, centres and back three, he is still looking for candidates at scrum-half, fly-half, prop and hooker to stake claims.

"Those are probably the four positions where there are definitely opportunities for players to cement themselves," he told BBC Sport.

"When you look at the other positions, there are a huge amount of candidates and depth in those areas, and there are going to be some very disappointed players when the final squad is announced."

Gatland and his assistant coaches Graham Rowntree, Andy Farrell and Rob Howley sat down for a three-hour discussion on Tuesday evening about what the squad would look like if they were picking it now, discounting those players currently out injured.

"When we finished, we were very excited about what that squad and team would look like, and the potential of that team. There is real depth in certain positions; we have got a lot of choice," added the head coach.

"At the moment we have got a group of names down on a list that we are going to track, as well as the injured players. Then players are going to put their hands up in the Six Nations so we feel we are well placed from a selection point of view."

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233 comments

  • Comment posted by U14277094, at 20:06 13 Dec 2012

    @39

    I concur. A very infantile piece of journo work here.

    BBC, your standards are becoming very puerile.

  • Comment posted by U3246151, at 18:29 13 Dec 2012

    Jeez what a bore. Gatland, like any coach refuses to rule anyone out, from which journalists infer that "Wilkinson is in the frame". Make a speculative story, sit back and watch the fans kick lumps out of one another.

    Rugby fans...this is garbage. YOU ARE BEING USED!

  • Comment posted by U15267950, at 21:08 13 Dec 2012

    Exuse me Mr Gatland, can I ask you a question that will get me paid some licence payers money and keep me in a well paid job?

  • Comment posted by U15538952, at 01:52 15 Dec 2012

    @219

    puhr-leese! one victory over the (sick)all-blacks does not a team make. both ireland and scotland beat australia in the SH before that game was even played.

  • Comment posted by Maillot Jaune, at 20:34 14 Dec 2012

    It's like ground hog day reading some of these threads on this site, whatever the topic it seems to end up with every country attacking each other. But, when I go to games including european games it's never like this and we end up having a bit of banter but mostly it's beers after the game. I assume mostly non rugby fans posting. Anyway point in hand, I don't care who plays as long as we beat em.

  • Comment posted by Wilburforceful, at 20:11 14 Dec 2012

    Who cares what country the Lions are from? lets hope Gatland just picks the best on form and we smash the Aussies. On the Autumn, it's probably mainly Irish and English, but who knows what the 6N will bring, personally I love a real mix from all the home unions.

  • Comment posted by U15537996, at 13:23 14 Dec 2012

    Wilkinson is class. Top 14 rugby is still a high standard. he's playing with and against World Class players week in week out. I think he should go. he might not start test but his experience to pass on would be second to none. he deserves another crack at Lions glory

  • Comment posted by Palehound, at 12:43 14 Dec 2012

    Why do some (eg post 145) continually try and turn these discussion boards into anti-home nation antagonistic sessions. Any true welsh supporter would be a fan of everything JW stands for (hard work, committement etc...) and would welcome him as part of the touring party.
    Grow up those people.

  • Comment posted by wallywalnut, at 19:26 13 Dec 2012

    Jonny Wilkinson has been one of our greatest sportsmen ever and a terrific role model for the game. I hate to say it but he was wrong for the last RWC and I believe he'd be wrong for the Lions 2013, unless its in a coaching role. I think that Jonny is smart enough to give this a miss.

  • Comment posted by U15499512, at 13:05 15 Dec 2012

    so what you are all saying is that because you beat the SH hemisphere tams a slightly bit more than the celtic nations you are better?? why can't you beat the NH teams regularly then? Answer the question - how many times in the past 10 yrs of 6N matches has England beaten Ireland??

  • Comment posted by U15312068, at 08:35 15 Dec 2012

    what drivel. Dont you people know how to pick a squad? You have to look at individual players and their performances, not how their country is doing. who cares which nation has the best record. It means nothing t the Lions. Gatland will pick the team according to form and experience not on which colour shirt they usually wear. I think he is a lucky guy as all the home teams have great talent

  • Comment posted by U15538888, at 22:48 14 Dec 2012

    As an Irishman, I can't wait for the Lions tour. The sense of community, good vibes and amazing banter makes it a joy for the touring fans and the tv viewers.

    Sure, it's can be messy in advance. But I was in SA 2009, it was fantastic!

    Ultimately, it's gonna be an even English, Irish and Welsh spread.
    I'd back the front pack that will come from that any day of the week.

  • Comment posted by Crouchtouchpause, at 18:22 14 Dec 2012

    Who do we think should make the 2017 Lions tour? That's a futile as discussing this one until after the 6 Nations and most of the domestic season.

  • Comment posted by Mike, at 16:25 14 Dec 2012

    #89- You're right being a coach doesn't mean you're good. That requires knowledge, understanding & intelligence. I've coached & played the game all my life, & worked with coaches that were reputedly good (& weren't). Success is measured by your results i.e take a bottom of the league side and turn them into promotion contenders within a season. If you have then you might be qualified to comment.

  • Comment posted by Mike, at 16:13 14 Dec 2012

    Those that are questioning JW's current form & ability really don't have much experience or real knowledge of rugby. It's one thing being an armchair pundit, but another a coach. Having seen all of the candidates' performances at club level recently, I don't see how anyone can split them easily. JW has nearly always performed on the International stage, which is more than can be said of the rest.

  • Comment posted by Dr_John - not a Doctor of medicine, at 15:36 14 Dec 2012

    #173, it is pricisely because there are no proven top class 10s pushing for selection that JW is in the frame for the Lions tour. There are plenty of 10s with potential out there, but nobody is really putting their hand up for selection.
    As for youngsters, the Lions tour is a one off. I wouldn't pick JW for England because we need to rebuild, but for the lions pick the form players..

  • Comment posted by GlobalRugby, at 13:30 14 Dec 2012

    All the British teams play differently and it will all depend what style of rugby WG thinks will have the most chance of beating Oz. Only then can you start picking candidates as all the teams have their strengths AND weaknesses, and you want players who will suit the style of play. On another note. There was a young hooker called Barry Williams for Wales that went on a Lions tour and was uncapped

  • Comment posted by thetruthhurts, at 13:25 14 Dec 2012

    JW should be taken as a kicking coach, as a Scot, I have much admiration for him, a consumate professional. None of the home nations 10's are playing well which is a worry, a distinct lack of flair throughout. Cant say anyone is nailed on, have JW as advisor if injuries occur, you have a ready made stand in ready. Also, wont be a majority Eng side, I anticipate a pretty mixed squad.

  • Comment posted by U15259510, at 22:12 13 Dec 2012

    @83: Ive been watching rugby for 10 years. Ive played it A LOT. I have coached it. I understand it.
    Jonny has baisically said if he is asked to go, he will go. (Clearly don't know more than me). Gatland decides who is available. And he has said he isn't looking at jsut "international" player. (Thought you would have known that.
    Again, reflection on the head coach. Also Farrell is good.

  • Comment posted by U14838542, at 21:54 13 Dec 2012

    @ 75 How weak a coach do you think Gatland is? Do you really think that he would buckle under that type of pressure, to pick someone just because their dad is involved in the backroom staff??

    Also, you do realise that Farrell has just been nomintated in the top 4 players of this year? Did his dad manage to swing that for him too?

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