Lions boss Warren Gatland defends selection of Luke Cowan-Dickie after criticism

Warren Gatland, pictured, insists all medical guidelines were followed in picking Luke Cowan-Dickie (Steve Haag/PA)

Warren Gatland has defended the selection of Luke Cowan-Dickie for the British and Irish Lions’ opening fixture in South Africa in response to persistent criticism from anti-brain injury campaigners.

Cowan-Dickie appeared off the bench against the Sigma Lions on Saturday, a week after being knocked out in Exeter’s Gallagher Premiership final defeat by Harlequins.