WHILE THE EXCLUSION of Donncha O’Callaghan from the Lions squad did not come as the greatest shock of all time, it is no less sad not to see the Munster lock’s name above Paul o’Connell’s in the squad list.

A two-time Lion, New Zealand in 2005 and South Africa in 2009, O’Callaghan was the perfect man to have on tour. Personable, team player, committed on-field and relaxed off. With Irish kitman Rala O’Reilly making the trip Down Under, we are starting a #YesWeTan campaign* to get O’Callaghan a spot on the tour.

Here are eight reasons DO’C needs to be on the plane to Oz.

He’s well read

Alun Wyn Jones, meanwhile, loves organising his filofax. (©INPHO/Dan Sheridan)

He loves a good huddle

We bet this young mascot heard some choice words. (Credit: espnscrum)

He can give Brian O’Driscoll tanning tips

(©INPHO/Dan Sheridan)

He can keep Tommy Bowe out of mischief

… or maybe not. (©INPHO/Dan Sheridan)

He rocks the body paint

With Paulie in South Africa in 2009. (©INPHO/Dan Sheridan)

Something for the ladies

YouTube credit: Georgie Casey

Someone needs to keep ‘Rala’ company

Being a kitman looks like good craic. (©INPHO/Billy Stickland)

He’ll keep Hector out if he chases the Lions again

‘We getting too old for this shiiiaa’ (©INPHO/Billy Stickland)

Tommy Bowe goes all ‘Uncle Rico’ in meat-throwing Lions party

7 of the best, worst and most bewildering Lions squad decisions