O’Driscoll meets up with Lions pride for bonding session

CAPTAIN Brian O’Driscoll met up with his Lions squad for the first time at their training base just outside Cardiff yesterday.

The Ireland captain said: “Today it hit home what a massive honour it is to be a player and the captain of this squad.

“The room was littered with captains and leaders from both club and country. Seeing so much class together is what makes this so exciting and we know we all have a chance to be involved in something special.

“Everyone realises that from this day forward we cease to be Irish, Scottish, English and Welsh. We become Lions with tremendous history and objectives.”

Wales captain Gareth Thomas, who missed the final two matches of the Six Nations Grand Slam title run-in because of a broken thumb suffered before half-time in the victory over France, said that O’Driscoll could expect his unqualified support on the tour.

“Standing up in front of the players today, you realise what an honour it is to be picked for the Lions,” said Thomas, who could make his return to action for his French club Toulouse in Sunday’s European Cup semi-final with Leicester.

“The Welsh players are all delighted and relishing the opportunity to play with such a great squad of players.

“There will be tough times and good times but I can guarantee from myself and the other Welsh players we will support Brian 100%.

Lions coach Clive Woodward assembled the group of 44 players for a two-day get together aimed at uniting representatives of all four nations.

Woodward, Bill Beaumont, now the Lions manager, and coach Ian McGeechan addressed the squad.

“This is the day it has all become real. I am determined we leave no stone unturned in our preparations and this is the first opportunity for me to sit down with the players to discuss that,” Woodward said.

“I’m very impressed by them. They are totally up for it, focussed and committed to doing the best possible for their clubs, countries and the Lions.”

The Lions have won just one series against New Zealand, back in 1971.

They face Argentina in a warm-up match at Cardiff on May 23 and their first Test against the All Blacks is at Christchurch on June 25.

Meanwhile, Jonny Wilkinson has vowed he will be fit to tour.

England’s World Cup hero will be added to the 44-man party if he proves his well-being for Newcastle.

The 25-year-old came off the bench at Northampton on Friday in the

Falcons’ 23-22 Zurich Premiership defeat after overcoming medial knee ligament damage.

Wilkinson declared: “I’ll be there.”

“Clive has given me something to prove.”

He added: “I am comfortable that I have to earn the right to be in the squad.”