British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland on Wednesday confirmed that tour captain Alun Wyn Jones will return to the touring party in South Africa.

The Wales lock, who dislocated his shoulder during the 1888 Cup game against Japan at Murrayfield on Saturday, 26 June, will fly into Cape Town on Thursday.

Following a training session with the Wales squad at the Vale of Glamorgan training headquarters on Tuesday and subsequent medical assessment this morning, Jones was passed fit to return to the tour in South Africa.

“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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