British & Irish Lions news: Alun Wyn Jones set for stunning return on SA tour

British & Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland believes the decision to omit original captain Alun Wyn Jones from the tour after sustaining a shoulder injury against Japan may have been premature.  

READ | ALLISTER COETZEE OFF TO ROCKY START AS NAMIBIA LOSE TO IVORY COAST – OUCH!

“The assessment may have been too hasty and the injury might not be as serious as first thought,” said the New Zealand-born coach.

Assistant coach Neil Jenkins said the tourists had not ruled out the 35-year-old lock flying to South Africa for the three-Test series from July 24 if he can prove his fitness.

READ | BRITISH & IRISH LIONS GET SA TOUR OFF TO WINNING START

“He is a world-class player and a class act in everything he does. If he could get back that would be awesome,” said the former Wales flyhalf.

Alun Wyn Jones hobbled from the field against Japan last weekend and was immediately ruled out of the eight-match South African tour.

He was replaced in the squad by compatriot Adam Beard and as skipper by Ireland scrumhalf Conor Murray.

PICTURE | FORMER SPRINGBOK COACH RASSIE ERASMUS HAS A SIDE HUSTLE!

It remains to be seen if Wyn Jones regains his fitness in order to rejoin his team-mates in what would be a massive psychological boost for the composite side.

At the time of publishing he has 20 days until the first Test and a little over a month until the last and potentially deciding clash at the FNB Stadium.