The Connacht squad trained at the Sportsground on the morning the Lions squad was named before assembling in the dressing-room to watch the announcement on Sky Sports from noon. There were hopes that Bundee Aki might be named but the man himself decided not to join them. Bundee Aki, Connacht Rugby, Ireland.” A picture of Aki, sporting a long beard, loomed on the big screen behind Leonard. Bundee Aki and Kieran Marmion celebrate after Connacht won the Pro12 in 2016. Warren Gatland places much store on players’ characters in choosing a Lions squad and in Aki they’ll have a good tourist.

Source: The Irish Times May 15, 2021 06:00 UTC