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Lions rejects XV

Sky Sports rugby union writer Tony Curtis looks at team of players unlucky to miss out on the British and Irish Lions squad.

It is difficult not to have some sympathy for British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland.

10 Jonny Wilkinson (England)

The World Cup-winning fly-half had the chance to tour with the Lions, however, Wilkinson opted to turn down the offer. The 33-year-old claimed his fitness and commitments with Toulon meant it was best for him to miss out. His performances in the Top 14 and the Heineken Cup proved he is still among the world's best - with his kicking, game management and defence guiding Toulon towards the double.

9 Greig Laidlaw (Scotland)

The Scotland No 9 must be wondering what else he could have done to make it on to the plane to Australia. Laidlaw was in scintillating form during the RBS Six Nations, helping Scotland to third in the standings. He marshalled the pack brilliantly, while he was able to produce quick ball for the backs. Laidlaw, who can play at fly-half as well, was also near-faultless with the boot as he supplied a steady stream of points.

1 Ryan Grant (Scotland)

Another Scotland international who can count himself unlucky not to be heading to Australia. Grant was tipped by many to earn a call-up after some brilliant performances during the Six Nations but he misses out with Matt Stevens getting the nod instead. The Glasgow loosehead made his debut in the famous 9-6 victory over Australia last year and the 27-year-old hasn't looked back since.

2 Rory Best (Ireland)

The most notable omission from the British and Irish Lions squad announcement was that of Best. The Ireland and Ulster hooker was many people's favourite to start in the Test team, so for him not to even make the touring party came as a complete shock. Best, who has won 67 caps for Ireland and gone on to captain his country, is a strong ball-carrier and a defensive general.

3 Mike Ross (Ireland)

The Leinster tighthead is one of the top scrummagers in the game and he has been credited for helping stabilising Ireland's set-piece. A late bloomer on the international scene, the 33-year-old Ross has gone on to be the cornerstone of the Irish pack since 2011 and his form during the past year in particular had moved the former Harlequins man into contention for a Lions spot.

4 Joe Launchbury (England)

The tour to Australia has perhaps come a year too soon for the England lock. Launchbury burst on to the international stage in 2012 with a number of impressive displays during the autumn Tests - with the 22-year-old being named the QBE man-of-the-series. The Wasps forward carried this form into the Six Nations, with Launchbury catching the eye with his work-rate in the loose.

5 Jim Hamilton (Scotland)

The 30-year-old's hopes of ever appearing for the Lions now look to be over. Hamilton, who was overlooked for the 2009 tour to South Africa, did everything asked of him in the Six Nations - with some towering lineout work as well as being a defensive rock. The Gloucester lock started every one of Scotland's games as they went on to finish third - registering wins over Italy and Ireland.

6 Ryan Jones (Wales)

The former Wales captain can count himself very unlucky not to be involved with the Lions - although it is likely that injury ultimately ended his chances. Jones performed brilliantly during the Six Nations and looked rejuvenated when he stepped up to take over the captaincy in Sam Warburton's absence. To make matters worse for Jones, he has also been overlooked for Wales' summer tour - with Robin McBryde giving youth a chance.

7 Chris Robshaw (England)

The decision to leave Robshaw at home pushes Best's omission hard as the biggest shock from the Lions squad announcement. The England captain had been touted as a possible skipper for the tour, with Robshaw having led club and country with distinction. However, the loss to Wales in Cardiff and the return to fitness of Dan Lydiate appear to have counted against him.

8 Johnnie Beattie (Scotland)

Beattie must have fancied his chances of emulating his father and playing for the Lions after some sterling displays for Scotland. The Montpellier No 8 might have been surprised to have started the Six Nations, however he proved he was more than worth his place in the side. Beattie's ability to get over the gainline and defensive work, though, were not quite enough to earn him a place.

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