Faletau played his entire international career with Wales under Gatland’s tutelage until the end of 2019 when he moved on to be succeeded by Wayne Pivac.
Gatland is Lions head coach for the third straight tour against South Africa and has selected Bath’s Faletau for each of the team’s last three trips in 2013, 2017, and now 2021.
The 30-year-old forward has four Test caps for the Lions to date and will be hoping to add to those against the world champion Springboks in the months to come.
Gatland’s Lions travelled to Jersey on Sunday evening – without their players still involved in end-of-season domestic finals – to start their preparations for South Africa.
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“It has been pretty much non-stop rugby for a year or more. It feels as though two seasons have merged into one, but I enjoy playing,” said Faletau.
“We’re heading to Jersey this week and it will be good to link-up with our new Lions team mates.
“We’ve got a big challenge ahead against the world champions.”
Gatland won Six Nations Grand Slams in 2008, 2012 and 2019 when he was Wales coach with Faletau involved in the latter two of those three successes.
The former Dragons back-row also helped Gatland’s Wales reach World Cup semi-finals in 2011 and 2019 so the two know each other well.
Things are getting real: @lionsofficial arrived in Jersey yesterday for their training camp 🇯🇪
➥ Nawr mae'r busnes o baratoi ar gyfer y daith yn cychwyn. #LionsRugby
📷: @Inphosports pic.twitter.com/nBY1a7PKQf
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) June 14, 2021
“I certainly can’t complain about my time playing under Gats,” said Faletau.
“He always seems to get it right in his preparation – he’s a master of bringing players together.
“It’s always exciting, and never boring or daunting, coming together for a Lions tour.
“It might be my third one, but I can’t wait.”
The Lions have called up Leinster hooker Ronan Kelleher to train in Jersey to cover for Jamie George who is still involved in domestic rugby with Saracens.
Kelleher is not an official part of the squad.
Wales and British & Irish Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones (right) thanks Lions supporters after the team arrived in Jersey with Louis Rees-Zammit (left). (Pic: INPHO)
It’s always exciting, and never boring or daunting, coming together for a Lions tour. It might be my third one, but I can’t wait
