Gatland: Drico can be proud of his Lions role

Lions boss Warren Gatland believes his decision to axe Brian O’Driscoll from the squad for the final Test against Australia was not only justified but it also helped copper-fasten the Irishman’s status within the game.

The New Zealander told O’Driscoll in a private meeting last Wednesday that he was being dropped from the squad and admitted there was little room for sentiment in his decision.

“[It was] a rugby decision. I spoke to Brian after the game and said I knew how disappointed he was but he was a part of the winning series and he’s played in eight Test matches and the two that he’s won were his first one in Brisbane and the first Test in Brisbane.