Lions kicking coach Neil Jenkins admits that concerns about Johnny Sexton's concussion issues played a part in the Ireland skipper not making the squad for the South Africa tour.
Jenkins has successfully worked with Sexton on Lions tours in the past.
And clearly was sorry for the 35-year-old, who lost out in his bid to make a third tour in succession and after being the starting Test no 10 in five of the last six Lions Tests in Australia and New Zealand.
“Yeah, obviously it’s very tough on Johnny," the Welshman said.
"I agree he’s a fantastic player. His goal-kicking in this Six Nations has been very, very good, the best I’ve seen him kick, off the floor especially.
"I know he’s very good anyway but he’s been exceptional in this Six Nations.
“Look it’s very, very tough. We’ve got Dan Biggar in Wales, Finn Russell, Owen Farrell and obviously Johnny.
"Someone was going to miss out and Finn missed out four years ago and this time, sadly, it’s Johnny.
“I don’t think it’s an easy way to go around it, really.
"He’s a fantastic player and it’s very difficult to pick (from) the four of them and just sadly at this moment in time Johnny has missed out.”
Asked if Sexton's recent injury profile had played a part in Warren Gatland's decision, Jenkins concurred, pointing to the intensive schedule that is facing the 37-man squad.
“Obviously there is a little bit of concern about the concussions and stuff like that, there’s no doubting that," he said.
"But that’s obviously for the medical staff and the medical side of things and a little bit of durability.
“But look, he’s a fantastic player, I’m not questioning that whatsoever but it’s very difficult where we’re going with the physicality and presence we’re going to bring, and the other boys are very, very good themselves.
“So it was very difficult, whoever was going to miss out was going to be extremely disappointed and rightly so and just as I said, sadly at this point in time it’s Johnny.
"He’s a fantastic player and he’s been exceptional on the last two Lions tours that I’ve been on, he’s been very good with myself.
“I just see myself as a facilitator for these boys.
"They’re the best of the best when they turn up and we try to keep them doing the same stuff that they do whether it be with Ireland, Scotland, England or Wales.
“He had a good Six Nations but the other guys did as well.
"Owen is a fantastic player and been there and done it himself. It’s not an easy decision by any stretch of the imagination.”
