The Bristol Bears prop opens up after missing out on selection for the tour to South Africa
Watch: Kyle Sinckler emotional interview on Lions omission
Kyle Sinckler has given an emotional interview on his British & Irish Lions omission.
The Bristol Bears and England prop was expected to be included in Warren Gatland’s squad to tour South Africa this summer but was not among the 37 names read out by Jason Leonard earlier this week.
Sinckler put out a post on social media following the Lions squad announcement to say how “gutted” he was not to be involved and showing his support for those selected.
Honestly gutted not to be involved. Appreciate the messages of support. Not a time to feel sorry for myself and blame others. Let’s get behind the squad, wishing the boys all the best
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— Kyle Sinckler (@KyleSinckler) May 6, 2021
He responded to his omission by putting in a Man of the Match performance in Bristol’s win over Bath, a result which ensured the Bears will be involved in this season’s Gallagher Premiership play-offs.
Sinckler then gave an emotional interview to BT Sport discussing missing out on a place in the squad, describing how tough the week has been because the Lions “means so much to me”.
Open and honest, he has vowed to learn from the disappointment and explained that, as a role model, he wanted to use the anger he felt in a positive way.
You can watch the full interview here…
"It means so much to me.
"In a year or two i'll look back on it and it'll all make sense, but right now it doesn't."
Incredible honesty from @BristolBears' @KyleSinckler.
Visibly emotional, he discusses how it felt to miss out on #LionsRugby selection. pic.twitter.com/60H30rku4R
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) May 8, 2021
Sinckler, who has won 44 England caps, was part of the 2017 Lions squad that toured New Zealand, coming off the bench in all three Tests against the All Blacks, and was a surprise omission from Gatland’s 2021 party.
Related: The making of Kyle Sinckler
The Lions have picked three tightheads for the tour to South Africa – Ireland’s Tadhg Furlong, who was first-choice No 3 in 2017, and Andrew Poter, who can also play loosehead, as well as Scotland prop Zander Fagerson.
Kyle Sinckler breaks for the Lions in 2017 (Sportsfile/Getty Images)
Of the decision, Gatland said: “Kyle was very unlucky. It was a tough call, but we’re happy with the balance we’ve got at the moment.”
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