The Bath duo were included amongst the 36-man squad announced by Warren Gatland on Thursday.

The 2021 tour will mark Watson’s second outing with the British & Irish Lions, having started each of the three Test matches against New Zealand in 2017. He secured the opening try for the visitors as they sealed as 13-7 win over the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians, cementing his place in the XV for the tied test series against the All Blacks.

A member of the senior leadership team at Bath Rugby, with 52 England caps to his name, Watson has appeared over 120 times for the Blue, Black and White since joining in 2013.

Bath and Wales Number 8 Faletau will make his third appearance on tour with the Lions, following his debut for the tourists in the 2013 final Test against Australia; a game which saw the Lions secure their first series win since 1997.

Faletau returned to the Lions four years later, starting alongside club teammate Watson against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians, producing a Man of the Match performance. During the second Test match of the series, he scored the opening try to inspire a Lions comeback, recording a famous 24-21 victory over the three-time World Champions.

The moment our duo found out... 🦁#WeAreBath 🔵⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/ujyRE5nDGh
— Bath Rugby (@BathRugby) May 6, 2021

Bath Rugby duo selected for British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa

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