Kristian Dacey is one of four Welshmen to be called up to the British & Irish Lions squad.
The Cardiff Blues hooker featured in yesterday’s 24-6 victory over Tonga and links up with the squad today.
He joins regional teammate, and Lions captain, Sam Warburton in the touring party, continuing a rich history between the Lions and rugby in Cardiff.
Cory Hill, Gareth Davies and Tomas Francis also bolster Warren Gatland’s squad and further announcements will be made following the other Home Nation Tests today.
Gatland said: “We have said all along that we need to give ourselves the best chance of winning the Test series and that could potentially involve calling up players.
“Bringing in these players from an identical time zone, who can hit the ground running and step straight in rather than having to adjust following long-haul travel will help us manage players before the 1st Test, give us quality training numbers to prepare properly as well as offering us options for selection for the Chiefs match.
“These are players currently on international duty who we are looking forward to welcoming into the Tour party as we did with several players in 2013. I spoke to all the Home Union coaches prior to departure and explained our thinking and they were all supportive.”
The Welsh quartet will attend the game against the Maori All Blacks in Rotorua this evening.