Rob Howley recalled the 46-cap full-back for the RBS 6 Nations , following 15 months away from the Test stage.
But he has been in sublime form for Clermont Auvergne and their head coach Vern Cotter reckons he deserves further honours, including a potential place on the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia.
“I really struggled to see why he wasn’t brought back earlier,” said Cotter.
“Lee has been great for us, very, very professional and he has had good performances to back it up.
“I think it is a bonus for the Welsh team and I wouldn’t take him out of Lions contention either if he gets a couple of games.
“He is very solid under the high ball, he has still got his speed, he can still break tackles, he is not shy in the contact, he has got a great boot and has got all that experience at 32.
“I am very pleased for him and for the Welsh team as well. I think it is a wise move.
“You look what he has put out on the paddock for us and I think he deserves to be brought back.
“He is a Welsh player, he loves his team, loves his country and he was disappointed not to be pulled back in.”
Byrne is one of several Welsh players to be plying their trade in France and Cotter reckons he has benefitted from a change of scenery in the twilight of his career.
“He probably needed a change too to freshen him up and I think it has done him good coming to France and seeing things from another perspective,” said Cotter.
“It has made him a better player, at least I think so, and got him out of a bit of a rut that he might have been in when he was playing in Wales for the Ospreys.
“Instead of being criticised, it can be seen as an advantage guys coming out and playing in France.
“As long as they are managed properly they can always come back and play for their country.”
Byrne made his comeback against the Scarlets, following a month out of action after fracturing the lumbar vertebra in his lower back.
The former Scarlets and Ospreys star admits the injury lay-off was frustrating but he is determined to make the most out of his return to the Welsh set-up.
“It has been difficult and frustrating these last four weeks to leave a team in such dynamic form and have to watch it from the stands,” he said.
“It was great to return against the Scarlets because I had a lot of fun there a few seasons ago.
“I am very happy and proud to be called up to prepare for the Six Nations.
“I hope to have the opportunity to express myself more than I did at the last tournament – I was never in the match-day group of 23.
“This is a first step and I am very determined to make the necessary efforts to expect better. The competition we have for places at Clermont has certainly made me a better player.
“I have been put under more pressure than I have had in the other clubs in which I have played.
“It’s a very good thing and has helped me progress a lot.”
