Wales skipper Gareth Thomas will join the Lions on Tuesday. Toulouse lost 23-18 to Stade Francais Paris in the semi-finals of the French Championship in Bordeaux on Friday night.
That meant Thomas was able to be released immediately to fly in New Zealand. Thomas is expected to arrive on Tuesday and England’s Jason Robinson will arrive two days later.
Lions Head Coach Clive Woodward said: “Gareth Thomas is a world class player who has had a fantastic season behind him. I have no doubt he has an enormous contribution to make to the Tour. With him and Jason coming out, it is a double boost for us.”
It means Thomas will be unavailable for the game against Taranaki on Wednesday, but could come into contention for the third game against New Zealand Maori in Hamilton on Saturday 11th June.