English lock Simon Shaw will replace the injured Malcolm O'Kelly in the Lions rugby squad after the Irishman was ruled out of the tour with an abdominal muscle injury.
The 2.03m tall Wasps forward had been one of the players coach Clive Woodward had kept on standby and appeared the obvious choice to replace the unfortunate O'Kelly who will return home.
Shaw, 32, has won 28 caps for England but has spent much of his career in and out of the squad having made his debut against Italy nine years ago.
He was called up as a late injury replacement during the 2003 World Cup but the nearest he got to action was a place on the bench in the quarterfinal victory over Wales.
He was also a member of the victorious 1997 Lions squad in South Africa but failed to make the test team.
He will be well-known to New Zealand fans having been sent off during England's 36-12 defeat in Auckland in 2004.
Shaw's call-up increases the English contingent in the 45-man squad to 22, including two other locks -- Ben Kay and Danny Grewcock.
Shaw, was told of the call-up as he prepared for Martin Johnson's testimonial match against Jonah Lomu's team in London this weekend.
- NZPA
Shaw to join the Lions
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