Gatland opens door for O’Connell Lions return

Warren Gatland insisted yesterday that Paul O’Connell remains firmly in contention for a place on the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia this summer.

The Munster lock has played down his chances of making the trip in recent months, both before and after his long-awaited return to action with the Munster A side last week, but Gatland had comforting words for him on his latest trip to Dublin.

“No, he played last week for Munster A,” said the Lions coach when asked if it might be too late for the 2009 Lions captain to make the plane after five months out with injury. “The older players with a bit more experience have the upper hand because they have that behind them, don’t they?