Warren Gatland named five England players as 'certainties' for the 2021 Lions tour

Sunday, 29 November 2020 at 16:04

byRugby Rucker

Speaking to the BBC in November 2019, Warren Gatland was asked by Ugo Monye to name five certainties for his Lions XV to face South Africa in 2021.

The Kiwi led Wales to the World Cup semi-finals in Japan where they were beaten by South Africa, who defeated England in the final.

However, it was only players from England who he namechecked at the time as 'certainties' for his squad.

Surprisingly, Owen Farrell, Billy Vunipola and Sam Underhill were not among his named players.

One year on, let's look at who he picked:

1. Jamie George

Position: Hooker

Age: 30

How's he doing? George has continued to star for England and is 1/20 to make the 2021 squad. Almost the first name on the team sheet right now following his hat-trick against Georgia.

DID YOU KNOW? He is an Aston Villa fan with his current favourite player being Jack Grealish.

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2. Maro Itoje

Position: Lock/Back-row

Age: 26

How's he doing? Still one of the best in the world. Definitely a certainty.

DID YOU KNOW? Gloucester speedster Ollie Thorley is Itoje’s cousin, after his grandfather re-married a Nigerian woman who is the Saracens lock’s aunt.

3. Tom Curry

Position: Flanker:

Age: 22

How's he doing? His performances across 2019 saw him nominated for the World Rugby player of the year. His stock has continued to rise since then. A certainty.

DID YOU KNOW? Tom studied at Oundle School – where the master in charge of rugby was their uncle and former England international John Olver.

4. Anthony Watson

Position: Back-three

Age: 26

How's he doing? Injury has ravaged his year, although he did make his return for England against Wales in the Autumn Nations Cup. Outstanding on his day, but not a certainty for the squad right now.

DID YOU KNOW? His uncle, Mark Watson, was one of the Concorde pilots. His two brothers, Marcus (Wasps) & Callum (Loughborough Students) are also rugby players

5. Manu Tuilagi

Position: Centre

Age: 29

How's he doing? Ruled out until at least May with an achilles injury, his chances of touring are starting to fade.

DID YOU KNOW? He became England’s youngest RWC player at 20 years and 115 days against Argentina, being 15 days younger than Jonny Wilkinson, who set the record in 1999.