Gum’s the word for Drico

Rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll has revealed he secretly hid his gumshield in his suit pocket when his shock axing from the Lions’ sidelined him to the stands — just in case he was needed as an eleventh hour replacement.

The Ireland ace was sensationally axed from the squad for the crunch decider against the Aussies in Sydney last July by coach Warren Gatland. But the 34-year-old, who has starred in four British & Irish Lions’ tours, said he never gave up hope of togging out for the side one final time.

And he said he placed his gumshield in his suit pocket just in case Welsh centre Jamie Roberts, injured himself during the warm-up.