The Welshman retired from international rugby in 2011, making his last appearance for his country in a 24-18 defeat to Australia. With centre Jamie Roberts adding to a growing list of injuries for the Lions, the 36-year-old has been drafted in to face the ACT Brumbies on Tuesday.
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And he insisted he would be ready for the demands of playing for the Lions.
“It was completely out of the blue. I am more shocked than you are,” he told talkSPORT. “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 in the three Tests then that is what I am here to do.
“Rob Howley (Lions assistant coach) phoned me. It is still sinking in. I am over the moon, and what I will do on the field is give my 100 per cent effort and commitment and do whatever it takes to help the team out.
“I have been playing in Japan over the last 12 months (for the Mitsibushi Dynaboars). Fitness is not going to be an issue. If I had any doubt whatsoever that I wasn’t capable or good enough then I would have said no, because there is no way I will let the Lions down.”
The injury to Roberts and fears over winger George North’s fitness, also saw coach Warren Gatland call upon England players Brad Barritt and Christian Wade.
On Williams’ inclusion Gatland said: “We just needed Shane for one game. We spoke to Shane and just said the proviso is he comes in Monday, trains, plays on Tuesday and he leaves the squad on Wednesday. He was perfectly happy with that.
“The accolades have been given to Shane. He played in the last Lions Test match against South Africa, when they won. He’s in pretty good nick. We know that he is fit and training, and I am sure he will come and do the jersey proud and do himself proud.”
'I'm more shocked than you' -- Shane Williams surprised by Lions call-up
SHANE WILLIAMS ADMITTED he was “shocked” to be called up to the British and Irish Lions squad late last night.
The Welshman retired from international rugby in 2011, making his last appearance for his country in a 24-18 defeat to Australia. With centre Jamie Roberts adding to a growing list of injuries for the Lions, the 36-year-old has been drafted in to face the ACT Brumbies on Tuesday.
And he insisted he would be ready for the demands of playing for the Lions.
“It was completely out of the blue. I am more shocked than you are,” he told talkSPORT. “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 in the three Tests then that is what I am here to do.
“Rob Howley (Lions assistant coach) phoned me. It is still sinking in. I am over the moon, and what I will do on the field is give my 100 per cent effort and commitment and do whatever it takes to help the team out.
“I have been playing in Japan over the last 12 months (for the Mitsibushi Dynaboars). Fitness is not going to be an issue. If I had any doubt whatsoever that I wasn’t capable or good enough then I would have said no, because there is no way I will let the Lions down.”
The injury to Roberts and fears over winger George North’s fitness, also saw coach Warren Gatland call upon England players Brad Barritt and Christian Wade.
On Williams’ inclusion Gatland said: “We just needed Shane for one game. We spoke to Shane and just said the proviso is he comes in Monday, trains, plays on Tuesday and he leaves the squad on Wednesday. He was perfectly happy with that.
“The accolades have been given to Shane. He played in the last Lions Test match against South Africa, when they won. He’s in pretty good nick. We know that he is fit and training, and I am sure he will come and do the jersey proud and do himself proud.”
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Australia Rugby Brian O'Driscoll British and Irish Lions Lions 2013 Paul O'Connell Rugby Rugby Union Sam Warburton Shane Williams Tommy Bowe Warren Gatland