THORNBURY RFC are celebrating after their most famous players were both included in the British and Irish Lions squad that will tour New Zealand this summer.

Billy and Mako Vunipola have been selected in the 41-man squad by Lions coach Warren Gatland as has Gloucester’s back row ace Ross Moriarty.

The Vunipola brothers only visited Thornbury, where they learnt their rugby as teenagers, in February for the first time in a while.

Their cousin, Bath and Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau, has also been included in the squad which will see him battle for the Test jersey with Billy Vunipola. There will be massive competition for back row places as well because Wales flanker Sam Warburton has been named as the Lions captain.

British and Irish Lions squad to tour New Zealand is: Forwards: Rory Best, Dan Cole, Taulupe Faletau, Tadhg Furlong, Jamie George, Iain Henderson, Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones, George Kruis, Courtney Lawes, Joe Marler, Jack McGrath, Ross Moriarty, Sean O'Brien, Peter O'Mahony, Ken Owens, Kyle Sinckler, CJ Stander, Justin Tipuric, Mako Vunipola, Billy Vunipola, Sam Warburton.

Backs: Dan Biggar, Elliot Daly, Jonathan Davies, Owen Farrell, Leigh Halfpenny, Robbie Henshaw, Stuart Hogg, Jonathan Joseph, Conor Murray, George North, Jack Nowell, Jared Payne, Jonathan Sexton, Tommy Seymour, Ben Te'o, Anthony Watson, Rhys Webb, Liam Williams, Ben Youngs

Full reaction to the inclusion of Billy and Mako Vunipola from Thornbury RFC in tomorrow’s Gazette in both paper and online formats.