Warren Gatland sets out ground rules for tour contenders

Warren Gatland has put his British & Irish Lions hopefuls on notice that there will be more to selection for next summer’s showdown with the All Blacks than pure playing ability.

The season-long audition process is well underway for a place on the plane for the tour and three-Test series with the world champions in New Zealand and a number of players have already put their hands up for inclusion with impressive performances during the November Test window, particularly those from Ireland and Grand Slam champions England.

Yet ticking the box as a talent to take on the All Blacks in their own half is only the baseline for Gatland and his assistants Rob Howley, Andy Farrell and Steve Borthwick.