On the biggest day in The British & Irish Lions calendar so far, the players that will tour New Zealand have been announced by Warren Gatland.
We have already brought you the players’ reaction, both face to face and on social media, but here the wilder world of rugby gives their take on a compelling 41-man squad.
Saracens and Worcester Warriors were just two of the clubs to capture live footage of their players’ discovering their fates and it made for compelling viewing.
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The headline from a fantastic day at the Hilton London, Syon Park was the return of Sam Warburton as skipper for a second Tour in a row.
Click here for the official 41-man Lions squad
But the video of the day has to go to Saracens – who had the most players of any club in the squad with six – as they caught the live reaction of the squad as their names were read out by Tour Manager John Spencer.
That moment when each of the #Sarries6 found out they were a #Lion! ? pic.twitter.com/so1mXHIfgv
— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) April 19, 2017
The same was going on at Worcester Warriors as Ben Te’o became the first Lion in the club’s history.
Disappointed not to make the cut (Gatland’s loss)but pleased for the ‘Big Man’ Ben Te’o?Nervous moment watching it with @WorcsWarriors squad pic.twitter.com/gPd5drLV5G
— Tom Biggs (@tombiggs11) April 19, 2017
And it did not take long for Warburton’s beloved Tottenham Hotspur, also involved in a thrilling battle to re-write history in May, to congratulate the Welsh flanker.
Congratulations to @SpursOfficial fan @samwarburton_ who has been named @lionsofficial captain for the 2017 NZ tour. #AllForOne #LionsNZ2017 pic.twitter.com/iVAfcBrqyo
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 19, 2017
Two legendary scrum-halves in Mike Phillips and Peter Stringer were watching on from the Sale Sharks training base. Phillips recently announced this season would be his last but a sympathy vote was not forthcoming for the veteran duo.
We’re ready Gats @lionsofficial #LionsNZ2017 #99 and #98 ??@stringer9 pic.twitter.com/uufweA1oAl
— Mike Phillips (@mikephillips009) April 19, 2017
Lions legend Brian Moore, who is on the mend after a heart attack, was taking a stroll down memory lane on squad announcement day.
This is mine from 89 – congratulations to all the players selected today. pic.twitter.com/GqkQZysmub
— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) April 19, 2017
The good news has also fired up a few famous names across world rugby, France No 8 Louis Picamoles is delighted for his Northampton Saints teammates George North and Courtney Lawes.
Congrats to @George_North and @Courtney_Lawes for @lionsofficial ! Huge for you mates ! Proud of you ??????
— Louis Picamoles (@Picamoleslouis) April 19, 2017
And North was also given a shout out by his girlfriend, and two-time Olympic silver medallist Becky James, for his second Lions selection.
So proud!!! ??? https://t.co/OJ3UlZ8gf1
— Becky James (@BecksJames) April 19, 2017
A Lions legend in Sir Clive Woodward was also impressed with what Gatland has selected.
Congrats all those selected @lionsofficial , especially @samwarburton_ , definitely correct choice and what an opportunity for all of them
— Sir Clive Woodward (@CliveWoodward) April 19, 2017
As was former Wales and three-time Lion Martyn Williams who is feeling good about the tourists’ chances in New Zealand.
Congrats to all selected for @lionsofficial, especially the first timers….
One very strong looking squad imo…— Martyn Williams (@martynewilliams) April 19, 2017
Double world champions the All Blacks lie in wait on the other side of the world, but they are already preparing for the challenge to come.
The captain for the 2017 Lions tour is Sam Warburton. pic.twitter.com/rVFag3twxS
Congratulations Sam Warburton on being named Captain.
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) April 19, 2017
Former skipper Sean Fitzpatrick caught up with another leader at the event.
This man @samwarburton_ will lead a hugely competitive @lionsofficial team to New Zealand. Can’t wait ????? pic.twitter.com/VOd52LljLq
— Sean Fitzpatrick (@SFitzpatrick92) April 19, 2017
While the great Sonny Bill Williams cannot wait to see the famous red jersey in the land of the Long White Cloud.
Congrats to all those selected for the British & Irish lions!
— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) April 19, 2017
While Bryan Habana, scourge of the Lions in 2009, was also paying close attention – with one name in particular catching his eye.
Congratulations @CJStander ?????? https://t.co/05LksWo8Tx
— Bryan Habana (@BryanHabana) April 19, 2017
