Wales' Ryan Jones has been declared fit after being ruled out of the British and Irish Lions tour with concussion.
Jones flew to South Africa last month as a tour replacement but was ruled out the next day after suffering concussion for Wales against United States.
The Ospreys star said: "I've been back from South Africa a couple of weeks, saw the neurosurgeon last Friday and he's given me the all-clear."
The Wales captain was a controversial omission from the initial Lions party.
His call-up came only after the Lions had brought in England's Tom Croft to replace initial selection Alan Quinlan, who was banned for gouging before the party departed.
Jones was flown out on Thursday, 11 June to replace Quinlan's fellow Irishman Stephen Ferris and declared unfit a day later after being examined by a neurosurgeon.
Jones added: "It's a huge relief when a question's raised like that and issues raised.
"It's peace of mind, really, not just for me but for my family, my girlfriend and for the rest of my life, really.
"It's not worth the risk when you talk about these things, but it's fine. I don't think it was that big an issue and I'll get on with life as I do now.
"You always err on the side of caution don't you because…there are two parts of the body you don't get a second chance with, the spine and the brain and it just wasn't meant to be this year, was it?"
Jones remains philosophical about the way his Lions hopes were initially crushed then destroyed by injury.
He said: "All the worrying and crying in the world won't change it now.
"I flew down to South Africa and took my boots and intended to play a very active role. But it wasn't meant to be, it was one of those things.
Jones was speaking at the media launch of a charity climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in September, 2010, which will involve 15 ex-Wales captains.
Ospreys commitments mean he will be unable to take part in the venture, but is helping official Wales team photographer Huw Evans to organise the event.
The party aim to raise £1m for the Velindre Cancer Centre Stepping Stones Appeal. The event has been inspired by Evans' non-smoker wife Sue being diagnosed with lung cancer.
The ex-Wales captains taking part are Scott Gibbs, Paul, Thorburn, Scott Quinnell, Gareth Thomas, Ieuan Evans, Mark Taylor, Mike Hall, Bleddyn Bowen, Jonathan Davies, Rob Howley, Rob Jones; Jonathan Humphreys, Bob Norster, Eddie Butler and Colin Charvis.
Wales coach Warren Gatland will also make the trip along with Wales Under-20 coach Phil Davies.
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?