Howley backs Lions hopeful

Published: Monday, 18. March, 2013 in category Six Nations

Wales interim head coach Rob Howley admits a number of his squad could have a "busy summer" after an impressive RBS Six Nations campaign.

From being 30-3 down to Ireland at half-time in their opening game of this season's championship, Wales came storming back in emphatic style.

The side got better and better as the tournament progressed, culminating in the 30-3 thumping of England at the Millennium Stadium to clinch the title.

And with the British and Irish Lions set to head to Australia for a 10-match tour in the summer, Howley believes a number of his players will be involved.

Pressure

"As a player you know that coming into a championship in Lions year how important your performances are going to be," said Howley.

"They are under the microscope throughout the championship and they performed as you expected them to. They turned up.

"The pressure was on us a little bit more. The talk was about England winning and the points. We had to make sure we started well... so some of them might have a busy summer."

Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert, Sam Warburton, Adam Jones are among a strong Wales contingent set to be involved in the Lions squad when it is announced by head coach Warran Gatland.

The Lions kick-off their tour against the Barbarians in Hong Kong on June 1, with three Tests against the Wallabies taking place on June 22 (Brisbane), June 29 (Melbourne) and July 6 (Sydney).