British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland admits concerns over Johnny Sexton’s “durability” were decisive in his omission from the 37-man squad.

Sexton, 35, made the 2013 and 2017 tours but the Ireland captain has struggled to stay fit and missed Leinster’s last game with concussion.

Gatland instead opted for Dan Biggar, Owen Farrell and Finn Russell.

“There’s no doubt that that was one of the toughest decisions that we had to make,” said Gatland.

<p