KEY POINTS:
SYDNEY - Wallabies back-rower David Lyons has confirmed his participation at the rugby World Cup - but his long-term future in the game is far less certain.
In a major boost to Australia's quest for a third Webb Ellis Trophy, Lyons declared himself available for the Wallabies' Cup opener against Japan in Lyon on September 8 after completing his first full body-contact training session since being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis of the calf five weeks ago.
"It was a forwards-contested session with scrummaging, mauling, running, things like that, and that was fine," Lyons said.
"So I should be right to get over there.
"It was my first full-on, 100 per cent contact I've done.
"We always knew it was going to be no worries but it was just good to be able to actually do it.
"(I'm) very relieved. It was a bit touch and go there a couple of weeks ago but it's amazing - it's sort of improved very dramatically and I feel fine now.
"Everything's pretty good to a 100 per cent now."
Lyons' recovery leaves coach John Connolly and fellow selectors Scott Johnson and Michael O'Connor with the luxury of three quality No 8s at their disposal, with Wycliff Palu and Stephen Hoiles other options in the 30-man squad.
- AAP
