With world class options from all four home nations, Warren Gatland's task to whittle down multiple centres to just a handful for this year's British & Irish Lions Tour was undoubtedly one of his biggest.

A host of names have made their case this season but in the end the head coach opted for Jonathan Davies, Robbie Henshaw, Jonathan Joseph and Ben Te’o.

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Davies, a 2013 British & Irish Lion, has the experience and knowledge of what it takes to win on a Lions Tour after his excellent displays four years ago in Australia.

Henshaw, Joseph and Te'o meanwhile have become three of the Northern Hemisphere’s finest centres for club and country in the last four years.

“The primary thing is that the communication with the ten, often the centre is eyes and ears of the ten,” said Gatland.

“They help them make the right calls and the right decisions and so that relationship is really important. You are looking for your centres to get you across the advantage line.

“You want someone with footwork and the ability to put the ball through the hands, make the right decisions.”

ENGLISH CONTRAST

Of the Englishman named in Gatland’s squad, Ben Te’o is perhaps the most intriguing considering he is relatively new to Test match rugby.

The 30-year-old’s hard running and deft hands have made him a big hit with England supporters after making his international debut last year.

“Obviously, the midfield caused some debate,” Gatland said.

"It was a big call taking Ben Te'o, he's been playing at 13 but is a better 12, given the potential weather conditions in New Zealand and the impact he made for England coming off the bench.”

In the 2017 RBS 6 Nations, Te’o was crucial to England retaining their crown with a vital try against France in Round One setting them up for victory.

Bath Rugby’s Jonathan Joseph is equally strong in defence but it is his pace, clever feet and ability with ball in hand that has helped him forge his ever-growing reputation.