British and Irish Lions: Alun Wyn Jones to join squad in South Africa just 18 days after shoulder dislocation

Alun Wyn Jones will rejoin the British and Irish Lions party in South Africa, just 18 days after dislocating his shoulder playing against Japan.

Captain Jones appears on course for a miracle comeback, having originally been ruled out of the tour with the injury, which he sustained seven minutes into the pre-departure fixture at Murrayfield. He was replaced by Conor Murray as captain and Adam Beard in the squad.

Jones will rejoin the squad, which is now 39 strong, having come through a day’s training with Wales at their base at the Vale yesterday. A medical assessment this morning cleared him to travel, to the disbelief of coach Warren Gatland. He will arrive in Cape Town tomorrow.

“We are delighted to welcome Alun Wyn back,” said Gatland.

“It’ll come as no surprise to anyone who knows Alun Wyn that since injuring his shoulder against Japan, he’s done everything he can to get himself back.

“It’s remarkable really when you consider it’s just 18 days since he left us in Edinburgh.

“He’s been training with the Wales squad at the Vale since last week and yesterday he had a proper hit out. Following assessment from the medical staff this morning we’re satisfied he’s fit to return.

“He’s obviously raring to go and from what I’ve seen on video and the feedback we’ve received, he’s certainly not been holding himself back in training. He was really getting stuck in yesterday.

“It’s a massive boost for the Lions to welcome a player of Alun Wyn’s stature back.”

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