Ross not giving up on late Lions call

Mike Ross spoke yesterday of his disappointment at being left out of the Lions squad but insisted he hasn’t given up hope of being handed a belated opportunity to make a mark in Australia.

Warren Gatland’s preference for England’s Matt Stevens over the Leinster and Ireland tighthead prop for the 37-man touring party came as something of a surprise even if it didn’t create as many ripples as those caused by the choice of Dylan Hartley over Rory Best.

“The next tour is four years away and that is a long time,” said Ross. “Who knows what will happen, whether I’d even be there, but at the same time I hope they do well because they have a good squad and good luck to them.