GLOUCESTER centre Billy Twelvetrees has been called up to the British Lions squad.
The 24-year-old Kingsholm pivot will leave England's tour of Argentina, and fly out to join Warren Gatland's Lions squad in Australia.
Twelvetrees will provide injury cover as regular fly-halves Jonny Sexton and Owen Farrell continue to battle slight knocks.
With several centres also suffering light injury issues, the former Leicester Tiger will bolster Gatland's backline resources.
Twelvetrees was the source of lengthy debate in the Lions' selectors initial squad compilation, but narrowly missed out on a call-up.
But now he becomes Gloucester's first Lion since Phil Vickery toured Australia in 2001.
Lions boss Gatland said Twelvetrees has not been called up to cover one specific player, but to ease the workload of the Lions backs.
Gatland said: "The nature of a Lions tour means that there will inevitably be knocks which take time to recover from.
"The whole squad have worked hard but a lot of the backs have doubled up over the last two games, either starting or from the bench.
"Billy played well in the first test for England and he provides that versatility to cover a variety of positions."
Twelvetrees claimed his fifth England cap in Saturday's 32-3 victory over Argentina in Salta, scoring a try.
England head coach Stuart Lancaster hailed Twelvetrees' Lions selection.
Lancaster said: "All the England players and management are delighted for Billy to get this great opportunity.
"He's played well for England this year, underlined that form with his display against Argentina at the weekend and goes with our full support and blessing."
