Gatland dishes out badge of dishonour

WARREN GATLAND has disrespected the most famous badge in British rugby.

The British & Irish Lions head coach (right) has decided to call up six players from Wales and Scotland to join his depleted squad out in New Zealand.

The ‘dirty half-dozen’ just happened to be in the region, with Wales playing in Tonga and Samoa, while Scotland took on Australia in Sydney, which appears to have been the main reason for their promotion.

Getting picked for the Lions is hard-earned and supposed to represent the ultimate honour for any player from these shores.

Being selected should be based on ability – not geography – and Gatland has devalued the whole process with his move.

Those drafted in must feel embarrassed and quite what England’s Joe Launchbury makes of it all, after being snubbed again, is anyone’s guess.

Ahead of Saturday’s first Test with the All Blacks, the tour threatens to turn into a shambles – and one man is to blame.