British and Irish Lions boss Warren Gatland has revealed that Jonny Wilkinson was offered the chance to be a part of the team for the summer tour of Australia.
Gatland, who selected his 37-man squad on Tuesday, has claimed that the Toulon fly-half ruled himself out of the tournament on fitness grounds.
"I rang him yesterday just to sound him out, I was really impressed with the way he has played for Toulon," Gatland told Sky Sports News.
"He said that he is committed his Toulon and that his body is holding together by his fingernails."
Sam Warburton has been selected as captain for the tour.