Warren Gatland has praised the character of Bristol Bears prop Kyle Sinckler in proving why he deserves a place on the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour following confirmation the tighthead prop has been called up as an injury replacement.
The 28-year-old forward was a shock omission from Gatland's initial 37-man squad for the tour to South Africa this summer to take on the World champion Springboks having played in all three tests in the famous drawn series against the All Blacks back in 2017.
But Sinckler has been called up to replace Irish international Andrew Porter who picked up a significant toe injury in Leinster's defeat to Glasgow Warriors on Friday night in the Rainbow Cup.
Gatland said: “It’s really bad luck for Andrew and we send him our very best wishes for a quick and successful rehab,” said Gatland.
“Andrew is a young man with a big future ahead of him and I’m sure he’ll be in contention again in four years time.
“As always in rugby, when there’s an injury there’s an opportunity for someone else. I have been very pleased to see the way Kyle has responded to initially being left out of the touring party.
“He’s showed some excellent form of late and I hope he continues to stick two fingers up to me about leaving him out in the first place.
Sinckler was named man of the match in Bristol's 40-20 win over Bath Rugby at The Rec just days after the squad was initially announced and has been a standout player in every game since.
However, the 44-cap England international missed Bristol Bears' 26-23 away win at Leicester Tigers on Saturday with a minor hamstring niggle but is expected to be back for the key play-off games to come in the Gallagher Premiership.
Sinckler will join up with the squad following the conclusion of Bristol Bears’ domestic season.
The rest of the Lions assemble in Jersey on Sunday 13 June to begin preparations for The Vodafone Lions 1888 Cup match against Japan at BT Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday 26 June, before flying to South Africa for the 2021 Castle Lager Lions Series against the Springboks.
