British and Irish Lions receive Alun Wyn Jones boost

The British and Irish Lions have received a major boost in the ongoing tour of South Africa with Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones set to rejoin the squad ahead of the Test series against the Springboks.

Jones, who is the most capped player in international rugby suffered a dislocated shoulder during the warm-up game against Japan at Murrayfield Stadium last month where he was forced off the field in the 8th minute.

The 35-year-old was initially expected to miss the entire tour of South Africa but now has made a terrific recovery and was declared fit after a medical assessment on Wednesday.

Jones will now head to Cape Town on Thursday to rejoin the squad.

Lions head coach Warren Gatland lavished praise on Jones and believes him joining the squad will boost the confidence as they take on the World Champions in a three-match series between 24th July and 7th August.

"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."