Gatland will not impose drinking ban

Warren Gatland expects his British and Irish Lions squad to uphold their self-imposed 1am curfew in New Zealand but insists he will not stop the players drinking in the hotel bar upon their return.

The Lions prepare for their first tie against New Zealand in Queenstown, which was the setting for one of the most infamous episodes in English rugby history.

Some members of England's 2011 World Cup squad spent the night on the town drinking and attended a dwarf-tossing competition followed by poor performances throughout the tournament.

Gatland says he will allow his players to self-police, similar to the Welsh preparation at the same tournament.

"Guys might be out at 3 or 4am. They might be drinking water or orange juice, but it's the perception of being out until that time. That's what creates the controversy with the way that social media is now," Gatland said.

"It won't be my call but I think the players might say they can go out for a couple of hours and no-one is going to mind them having a couple of beers.

"With Wales, at the 2011 World Cup, we got back to the hotel after a night game at about 11 and we just said to the players you can go out for a few hours but be back at the hotel by 1am.

"The bar will still be open if you want to have a few drinks in the bar and I just think we will probably say that to the Lions.

"You have got to feel sorry for the English in 2011. Other teams did the same things and some very well known individuals got up to some stuff that wasn't reported so you have got to feel a little bit. But you have got to be right."

INPHO/Dan Sheridan