SIMON Shaw is heading to New Zealand to join the British Lions after injury forced lock Malcolm O'Kelly to pull out.

The Wasps lock was on standby along with Wales' Brent Cockbain, with Shaw receiving the nod.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted but feel for Mal and wish him well in his recovery.

"It is a great honour to be involved with the Lions, and to be honest it is all just sinking in but it will be fantastic to get out there and I am looking forward to the challenge that we will face in New Zealand."

It is the second time Shaw, who toured with the Lions in 1997, has joined a tour late on.

In 2003, Shaw was controversially left out of England's World Cup party, but injury to Danny Grewcock saw Shaw become a member of the World Cup winning squad, with the 32-year-old receiving an MBE despite not actually making it onto the pitch.

Injury saw Shaw drop out of the England reckoning this season but his club form has remained impressive.

He was rested by England for this summer following his omission from the Lions but he played for the Barbarians against England on Saturday and was set to play in Martin Johnson's testimonial tomorrow.

Shaw joines clubmates Lawrence Dallaglio, Josh Lewsey and Matt Dawson on the Lions tour