Lions squad details England bias played down

Wales prop Gethin Jenkins says that the hard work has just begun after being named as one of 10 Wales players in the 44-man Lions squad for New Zealand.

"This is just the start, now I have to get into the Test team," said the only Welsh front-five man in the party.

"But this is one of the highlights of my rugby career and just a brilliant achievement for me.

"We thought there'd be about 10 Wales players going, everyone will be out to make a mark," added the 24-year-old.

Wales three-quarter Tom Shanklin has dismissed any injury worries ahead of joining the Lions tour to New Zealand.

The 25-year-old limped out of the Blues' win over Ulster on Friday, but he is confident of fitness.

"I think it's just cartilage and not long term, I'll be back training in a couple of weeks," he told BBC Sport.

Injury worry for Shanklin

"It's a dream to be a Lion, the peak of everyone's career. I'll work on strengthening the knee and then I'm going to be up for it, big time."

Wales three-quarter and captain Gareth Thomas' celebrations at making the Lions tour were somewhat belated.

"I didn't get a text so didn't think I was in the squad," said the 30-year-old in his column for BBC Sport.

Lions despair turns to joy: Read Gareth Thomas' BBC column in full

"My wife told me after seeing it on the TV! It was superb to see 10 Welsh players in - we'll enjoy it, but will think of the rest of the Wales squad.

"There's no prouder Welshman than me, but all the guys need to put national rivalry aside and play for the Lions."

Michael Owen says this season's Grand Slam means the Welsh players will be full of confidence on the Lions tour.

"It's unbelievable to have a Lions tour coming on top of such a wonderful time in the Six Nations," said the Wales number eight and stand-in captain.

Owen hopes Wales' players can continue their Six Nations form

"Hopefully we can all carry our form from the Six Nations to the Lions tour and fight for the Test places.

"Once you go on tour it's up to you to show you deserve a place and take your chance if it comes."

Shane Williams has revealed he is still waiting for the text message from Sir Clive Woodward to confirm his place in the Lions squad to tour New Zealand.

The Wales winger was named in the party on Monday, but only found out after the names had been made public.

Williams told BBC Wales Sport: "I'm in Shannon airport and I haven't heard anything myself which is a bit strange!

"I've only had a few text messages from friends and family saying 'congratulations'."

Wales scrum-half Dwayne Peel says he is honoured to join the elite roll of players to call themselves Lions.

"It's an amazing feeling to be selected and to join a very privileged group of people," the 23-year-old told the BBC.

"I didn't get a text to say I was in the squad but found out from the TV after training with the Scarlets. I'll just give it my best shot."

Peel is the only Scarlets player on the Lions tour

Peel is the only member of the Llanelli side to make the tour, although director of rugby Gareth Jenkins is on the coaching team.

Wales flanker Martyn Williams says he is keen to renew acquaintances with New Zealand coaches Graham Henry and Steve Hansen on the summer's Lions tour.

"I'm looking forward to seeing them again, they were very influential in Welsh rugby when they coached the national team," said the 29-year-old.

"It's going to be brilliant on tour with my Cardiff Blues team-mates Gethin Jenkins and Tom Shanklin.

"They're outstanding, it's a testimony to the hard work they've done."

Dragons and Wales back-up scrum-half Gareth Cooper was delighted to receive his Lions call-up having been out since March with an ankle injury.

"Selection for the Lions tour is a great honour, it's every player's ambition," said the 25-year-old, injured in the Tsunami Relief game.

Dragons director David Watkins, a 1966 Lions tourist, said:

"I am delighted to see Gareth and Michael Owen in, it keeps the Rodney Parade tradition. They'll do us proud."