Mike Brown's chances of a call-up to the Lions squad appear slim.
The England full-back was one of the most high-profile omissions from the 41-man squad Warren Gatland named last month. Despite being part of England's last two Six Nations-winning squads, no place was found for the Harlequins player in Gatland's plans.
Brown spoke recently to The Rugby Paper, where he made his views clear on not being selected for his first Lions tour.
"I didn’t take it well. I was gutted... It’s really disappointing for guys like myself, James Haskell and Dylan Hartley because we probably won’t get another opportunity."
"I’ve had no feedback about being on standby either, which is also disappointing, so I’m not going to keep up false hopes."
Brown's comments were unknown to Gatland until Monday morning, when the Lions and Wales head coach said he had no issue speaking to Brown about why he wasn't picked.
"When we select a squad and make a decision, it's not always about the rugby content", Gatland revealed. "We don't have a definitive back-up list because it depends on who the player is and the injury and the timing of the tour."
"If you look at the history of the Lions, six to ten players get replaced on a tour", the New Zealander added. "So there's six to ten players out there who are probably going to be called in at some stage on this tour. So be prepared, be ready in case you get that opportunity to come out."
After Brown's comments, it may be unlikely he could get that call if a full-back pulls out with injury.
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