Warren Gatland: Billy Vunipola is a big loss, but the rest of the British & Irish Lions are ‘pretty good’

Following the massive blow of Billy Vunipola’s withdrawal, Warren Gatland reported the rest of his British & Irish Lions squad was fit or getting there a week out from leaving for New Zealand.

A week after leading Saracens to the European club championship, No 8 Vunipola pulled out on Sunday, a day after aggravating a right shoulder injury in the English Premiership semi-finals. He needs surgery. He was replaced by England teammate James Haskell, another first-time Lion.

The other injured Lions include Wales hooker Ken Owens (ankle), Ireland flanker Sean O’Brien (calf), and Wales scrum half Rhys Webb (groin). They missed the Pro12 play-offs last weekend. Ireland prop Jack McGrath had an arm X-ray come back clear.

Captain Sam Warburton, who hasn’t played since hurting knee ligaments at the start of April, said he was finally able to train with full contact on Monday.

“That is all the boxes ticked, and now I can crack on,” Warburton said at the Lions’ camp outside Dublin.

They were making good progress, coach Gatland said.