Gatland confirms that Alun Wyn Jones could re-join the British and Irish Lions squad

July 12, 2021
1962
Ultimate Rugby

Alun Wyn Jones is on the verge on completing a stunning return to the British and Irish Lions squad ahead of the test series against the Springboks.

Jones disclosed his shoulder in the Lions first game of the year against Japan and was thought to be ruled out for the remainder of the tour.

However, speaking at press conference after naming the lineup to face South Africa A, Gatland revealed that the second rower could link up with the squad in the coming days.

"There’s a possibility. He’s back in training." Gatland said when asked if Alun Wyn Jones is set to link back up with the Lions in the coming days.

"We’re waiting for the medical reports from him to see what happens with that."

"A few weeks ago we didn’t think that was an option. He’s been back training with Wales.

"He’s doing a double session with them and we’ll see what the outcome of that is.

"It would be a boost to the squad.

"We probably need to make that call tomorrow [Tuesday]."

Gatland also confirmed that Rónan Kelleher is in line for a call-up to the Lions squad.

“We just have to make a decision on that,” said Gatland.

“One of the discussions we had with the South African management was that they were a little bit concerned about front-row cover, that if we picked up some injuries, players or replacement players would have to spend a couple of days before joining the squad officially.

“We had to look at whether we needed cover at hooker if we picked up an injury and they were concerned a game could go to uncontested scrums.

“We might just look at making sure we’ve got cover in terms of that hooker position.”