"I have never taken part in a winning Lions Test series. I would dearly love to go," said Lewsey, who was a Test starter for Sir Clive Woodward's tourists in New Zealand four years ago.

Lewsey's desire to help the best of Britain and Ireland beat the Springboks later this summer is not being ignored by his Wasps director of rugby and Lions head coach Ian McGeechan, although McGeechan has made it clear that form is the most-important factor when it comes to selection.

"I've told him he's got to be playing well first and foremost," said McGeechan.

"I have to look at all the pluses in the squad we want, the mix and how that fits in so there's a bit of sorting still to be done in that respect.

"There aren't many English backs who will go home with the silverware he's collected, with World Cups, 10 trophies with Wasps and a Lions tour.

"He's been hugely significant in English rugby and the same at the Club."

Having gained 55 caps for his country and picked up a World Cup winners medal in 2003, Lewsey has now set his sights on new goals, starting with an attempt to climb Mount Everest in July of next year.

"Rugby has been my home. I have played it since I was four but it is time for the next step and the next challenge," explained Lewsey, who will join an accountancy firm as a management consultant after attempting to scale the world's largest mountain.

"In life, that is where the excitement comes from. Everest is seen as the ultimate challenge. It has been a goal of mine since I was young."