Lions coach Warren Gatland has admitted that he wants to have representatives from all four nations for the tour of Australia next summer.
Although he revealed that "it wouldn't bother" him to pick 15 Englishman, Gatland has claimed that he wants Scotland to enjoy a successful Six Nations in order to increase competition.
"It wouldn't bother me if I picked 15 Englishmen if I thought they were best equipped to beat Australia. I don't think the make-up of the team is the main criteria for getting the job done, although I believe all four nations should have representations in the squad for the morale of the tour," Gatland told The Mail on Sunday.
"That's why I hope that Scotland enjoy a good Six Nations because I don't think I'm speaking out of turn to say representation for the Scots is challenging. That's why I hope that Scotland enjoy a good Six Nations because I don't think I'm speaking out of turn to say representation for the Scots is challenging.
"I'd imagine there will be 35 players made up of a 19 to 16 split between forwards and backs, possibly 20 to 15. We'll have three hookers, three 9s, three 10s and an extra prop. It means that in nearly all other positions there'll be two players fighting it out for one spot."
Their first Test clash against Australia will be held in Brisbane on June 22.
Matt Law
