Shane Williams has revealed his sense of shock after being summoned from Japan to play for the Lions.
The 36-year-old former Wales wing, who retired from Test rugby 18 months ago, will line up against the Brumbies in Canberra on Tuesday.
He is joined in the three-quarter line by two England backs wing Christian Wade and Brad Barritt who have yet to arrive in Australia from Argentina and the United States respectively, while centre Billy Twelvetrees only touched down two days ago.
Lions head coach Warren Gatland’s team for the Brumbies clash features six players Wade, Barritt, Twelvetrees, Williams, prop Ryan Grant and hooker Rory Best who were not original selections among his 37-man tour squad.
Williams, a Lion in 2005 and 2009, is due to be a radio summariser for the three-Test series against Australia.
He now finds himself pulling on the famous red shirt once again as the Lions grapple with injury concerns and giving players sufficient recovery time before Saturday’s series opener.
“I had a phone call to see whether I would be able to help them out because there are a couple of injuries in the squad,” said Williams.
“There was no chance I was going to say no, to be honest with you.
“It was completely out of the blue. I never thought I would ever get this opportunity again but if me contributing on Tuesday is going to help the Lions squad be successful, then that is what I am here to do.
“I am here to provide any help they need to be successful in the Test series. Rob Howley (Lions assistant coach) phoned me. It is still sinking in.
Williams, who plays for Mitsubishi Dynaboars in Japan, will train with the Lions, play the following day and then leave the squad on Wednesday.
“It is the pinnacle of any player’s career. I always wanted to play for Wales, and I didn’t ever consider I would be good enough to play for the Lions,” Williams added.
“You really don’t think you will be among the legends like Willie John McBride, Gareth Edwards, Gerald Davies, all those legends. To be associated with the Lions is the greatest honour a rugby player could have.”
Williams scored a record 58 tries in 87 Tests for Wales. His last Test match appearance was against Australia in December 2011, while he signed off from the Ospreys by helping them be crowned 2012 RaboDirect PRO12 champions.