Blues' Robinson on Lions standby

Nicky Robinson has not played for Wales since 2006

Cardiff Blues fly-half Nicky Robinson has revealed he is on the standby list for this summer's British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa.

Robinson told BBC Wales' Scrum V show he had had a phone call from attack coach Rob Howley to tell him the news.

"It was a bit of a shock to see his name come up on my phone on Tuesday afternoon," said the 27-year-old.

"It's great to be on that list. I'm just trying to finish off the season well and playing as well as I can."

He added: "I'm playing towards my best sort of rugby and I'm enjoying the rugby as well and that's a big thing for me."

Should Robinson not make it into the final squad that flies out to South Africa next month, he is in line to make a return to the Wales set-up on the summer tour to North America.

Robinson has won 12 caps for Wales but has not featured since the 45-27 defeat by Argentina on the 2006 tour of the South American country.

"If I get to play in America and Canada, I will make the most of that," said Robinson, who is joining Guinness Premiership side Gloucester next season.

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"If I get the chance to pull on that shirt, it would be awesome as I haven't done it for a few years.

"I'm still looking forward to finishing my season with the Blues and then obviously looking forward to next season with Gloucester."

Wales, Lions and Llanelli legend Phil Bennett believes Robinson should be first-choice fly-half on the Wales tour.

"It's his best season for the Blues without a doubt," he told Scrum V.

"I thought his performance in the semi-final against Northampton in the EDF Energy Cup was outstanding.

"I think he's the complete outside half at the moment, playing with great skill and assurance, and I'm a bit amazed and disappointed that he's going to Gloucester.

"They are on a bit of a downer at the moment and there's talk of players leaving.

"I think Nicky Robinson will be the number one choice for Canada and America."

The Lions depart on 24 May for a 10-match tour and play Test matches in Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg.

Wales take on Canada in Toronto on 30 May, followed by a clash against the US Eagles in Chicago on 6 June.