After his first taste of life as a Test Lion, Josh Adams is desperate for more as he sets his sights on Australia 2025 following a whirlwind few weeks in South Africa.
It’s been all change for the Cardiff star over the last few weeks - from witnessing the birth of his first child over Zoom to becoming a Test Lion in the series decider.
With eight tries under his belt, the wing finished as the tour’s top try scorer, further cementing his reputation as one of the world’s most potent attackers.
Despite missing out on the first two Tests, Adams was called into the side for the series decider where a late Morne Steyn penalty sealed the win for the Springboks.
While the Welsh international admits it was heart-breaking to suffer defeat against the world champions he is confident that he can use the experience as a springboard to take his game to the next level.
"I think the boys who got selected thoroughly deserved their spot. I've kept my head down for the past two weeks and made sure I put in a conscious effort to get better and thankfully I got my opportunity now,” said the Cardiff wing.
"It was brilliant. Everything that's happened throughout the tour, to finally be able to say I am a Test Lion is a fantastic feeling and I am proud to have joined a club of special players.
"To come so close again, three points, is pretty gutting.
"With all the hard work we have put in, I thought we deserved more. But that's how rugby is sometimes, and hats off to South Africa.
"I have come within three points twice in two pretty important matches, a World Cup semi-final and a Lions series decider.
"From previously being quite successful against South Africa with Wales and now agonisingly losing to them twice. They deserved their win.
"There are moments in the game that you have to take and you don't. But you can't rewind time. There's no point in dwelling on things, so let's move on.
"Personally it's been a fantastic experience.
"I've learned a lot from the other players, not just the new coaches. I've learned from the players I trained with. I am certainly a better player and person from leaving this tour.
"It is vital the Lions continue for as long as possible. It is a unique organisation that comes around every four years and the elite from the northern hemisphere get to represent this prestigious club.
"It's the pinnacle of rugby union for the British and Irish boys. It's an amazing experience. It's very difficult to sum up and portray my feelings. You have to experience it yourself. In a simple word, it's amazing.
"It has made me hungry to kick on and try to get selected for the next tour in four years' time.
"I know it is a long way away and many things can happen in that period of time, you just don't know but if I was still playing well and still available to represent the Lions again, it would be incredible.”
Adams was a late withdrawal for the warm up clash against Springboks A, as he joined partner Georgia over Zoom to witness the birth of their first daughter.
After spending a number of weeks in the Lions bubble, Adams’ focus now turns to life as a father as he is set to meet daughter, Lottie, for the first time in Jersey upon the squad’s return.
"That's the next thing now, I am looking forward to seeing them on Monday and starting life as a Dad,” said Adams.
"It started off quite smoothly but as the due date got closer, you are a bit more nervy about when she was going to go into labour.
"After a day or two of it all settling and knowing they were both okay, it was all focus on the first Test.”