England scrumhalf makes himself unavailable for Lions

England scrumhalf Ben Youngs has ruled himself out of contention for the Lions tour to South Africa in July, highlighting that is his wish to spend more time with his family. 

The 31 year old reportedly received a save-the-date letter from Lions head coach Warren Gatland but has made himself unavailable. 

 ‘Whether or not I would have made the final cut, I’ll never know,’ he said. 

‘I’ve got two young children and my wife is heavily pregnant with the third. This summer I’ve got an opportunity to be with my family and my kids. 

‘I have always loved the Lions. I’ll be cheering them on, and I wish everyone involved a healthy and successful tour. 

'It’s not a decision that I’ve taken lightly, but it’s the best decision for my family.’ 

With 110 test caps to his name, Young would have been the most experienced back in the squad.