England prop Andrew Sheridan described being selected for the Lions tour to South Africa as the pinnacle of his career.
Forward rates Springboks the world's most physical team
England prop Andrew Sheridan described being selected for the Lions tour to South Africa as the pinnacle of his career.
The 29-year-old Sale Sharks forward is one of eight Englishmen named in Ian McGeechan's 37-man squad.
He told
Sky Sports News: "I'm absolutely delighted and really looking forward to it. Just really pleased that I have been selected. It's the pinnacle. It's just great to be selected and have the chance to represent the Lions.
"They have obviously tried to pick the strongest possible squad and throughout there are good players so hopefully we will be able to present a strong challenge to the South Africans."
Sheridan was also part of the Lions touring party that slumped to a 3-0 Test series defeat in New Zealand four years ago and admits that getting players from four nations to play together effectively in one side is a challenge.
"It is hard to know when you have got players coming from four different countries to see how they gell together and what sort of performances we can put in and particularly when you are aginst the world champions," he added.
As for the challenge posed by the Springboks, Sheridan said: "I would say they are the most physical team I have played against, just in terms of the contact area, the rucks, the mauls, the tackles. They are a very physical, aggressive bunch of players to come up against.
"I went on the tour four years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it then. But it's not always about experience, it is getting out there when you get your opportunity and trying to put 100 per cent into it."
