Wales duo could spring selection surprise

Wales duo Ryan Jones and John Yapp could be set for surprise call-ups to Sir Clive Woodward's squad for the British & Irish Lions tour. [more]

Lions Australia Tour 2013

Wales duo Ryan Jones and John Yapp could be set for surprise call-ups to Sir Clive Woodward’s squad for the British & Irish Lions tour.

Woodward names his 44-man squad on Monday and the duo have received letters from Woodward during the past week, inquiring about their availability for this summer’s trip to New Zealand.

"I don’t want to talk about individuals but there are always surprise packages on Lions tours," Wales team manager Alan Phillips told the Western Mail.

"It’s good news these three boys have received letters asking them about their availability, but whether they get selected is a different matter."

Tom Shanklin is another likely to figure in Woodward’s plans after playing a major role in Wales’ spectacular Grand Slam triumph.

"Tom is not just a contender for the squad, he could be a contender for the actual Test team," Phillips added.

"His break against Ireland for Kevin Morgan’s try summed up the whole season for us.

"He’s so good at doing that and Kevin anticipated what Tom was going to do.

"It summed up the rugby, the pure football we played in the championship. Any side in the world would love to have scored that try. I am sure Clive would have taken notice."

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