Alun Wyn Jones has been recalled to the British and Irish Lions squad after a remarkable comeback from injury.
The Welsh second-row dislocated his shoulder against Japan at Murrayfield on June 26 and was initially ruled out of the tour, before head coach Warren Gatland opened the door for a possible return of the Test series.
And now the original tour captain, who holds the record for the most Test appearances in rugby, will fly into Cape Town on Thursday 15 July.
Following a double training session with the Wales squad at the Vale of Glamorgan training headquarters on Tuesday and subsequent medical assessment on Wednesday body, Jones was passed fit to go to South Africa.
“We are delighted to welcome Alun Wyn back,” said Gatland.
“It’ll come as no surprise to anyone who knows Alun Wyn that since injuring his shoulder against Japan, he’s done everything he can to get himself back.
“It’s remarkable really when you consider it’s just 18 days since he left us in Edinburgh.
“He’s been training with the Wales squad at the Vale since last week and yesterday he had a proper hit out. Following assessment from the medical staff this morning we’re satisfied he’s fit to return.
“He’s obviously raring to go and from what I’ve seen on video and the feedback we’ve received, he’s certainly not been holding himself back in training. He was really getting stuck in yesterday.
“It’s a massive boost for the Lions to welcome a player of Alun Wyn’s stature back.”
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