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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ben James

New Lions call-up Marcus Smith was told the news in Twickenham tunnel before entire team gatecrash TV interview

New British and Irish Lions call-up Marcus Smith discovered he was South Africa-bound in Twickenham's tunnel just seconds after coming off from England v Canada.

The 22-year-old England fly-half came off the pitch after being replaced and was immediately led into the tunnel to be told the good news, with TV cameras catching glimpses of the career highlight.

The Harlequins star has been called up as injury cover for Finn Russell, who is nursing an Achilles injury but remains with Warren Gatland's squad.

Smith is set to fly to Cape Town on Sunday - missing England's Euro 2020 final, which he was due to attend with Ugo Monye - to join up with the Lions.

Speaking to Channel 4, Smith said: "I can't believe it.

"When [they] called me into the tunnel and told me, I was shaking. I'm still shaking here, standing.

"It's been a brilliant last couple of weeks, I couldn't have done it without my family, teammates at Quins.

"I don't think it'll really sink in until I get back from the Lions tour.

"I'll have to pinch myself when I'm on the plane.

"I still can't believe what's happening.

"It'll be special, it's a dream come true for sure if I get the opportunity."

As for the Euro 2020 England v Italy final on Sunday, he added: "We were meant to go, but I think I'll be on the plane!

His TV interview was then cut short when the entire England squad emerged behind him and applauded and cheered for their team-mate, showing the qualities of what Monye described as a "new breed" of England rugby international.

Gatland said of the addition: "We’re obviously disappointed for Finn, who I think has been outstanding since he came into camp in Jersey, but we are optimistic he’ll still play an important role in the tour.

"We have two experienced fly halves in Owen Farrell and Dan Biggar, so it’s a great opportunity for the continued development of Marcus.

"I’ve been following him closely for the past 12 months and I’ve been impressed with how well he’s matured as a player.

"Finn and Marcus are similar in that they like to play with a bit of freedom, so, for me, it’s as close to a like-for-like cover as we can get.

"We look forward to welcoming him to the group in Cape Town."

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