South Africa’s head coach Rassie Erasmus (right) shakes hands with Wales’ head coach Warren Gatland before the start of the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final match between Wales and South Africa at the International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama on October 27, 2019. (Photo by Odd Andersen / AFP) (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)
British and Irish Lions news | Smallest squad this century to tour SA
British & Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland will select just 36 players when he announces his squad for their tour of South Africa on 6 May.
South Africa’s head coach Rassie Erasmus (right) shakes hands with Wales’ head coach Warren Gatland before the start of the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final match between Wales and South Africa at the International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama on October 27, 2019. (Photo by Odd Andersen / AFP) (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)
British & Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland will select just 36 players when he announces his squad for their tour of South Africa on 6 May.
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According to a report in the Daily Mail, Gatland, who is set to take charge of his third successive Lions tour, will select the smallest squad in terms of player numbers of the 21st century.
The British & Irish Lions squad that toured New Zealand in 2017 featured 41 players, while the tour of Australia in 2013 had 37 men.
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In 2001 for their tour of Australia the British & Irish Lions named 45 players, while in 2005 some 44 toured New Zealand.
In 2009, for their most recent tour of South Africa, 37 players boarded the plane.
With player numbers limited, either Gatland knows the current eight-match scheduled will be reduced or he’ll be forced to pick players who can fill multiple roles.
The first match of the tour is due to kick off on Saturday, July 3.
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