Richie Gray ready for Lions tour after hamstring injury ended 6 Nations

Scotland international Richie Gray is relishing the opportunity to prove his worth in next month's British and Irish Lions tour after recovering from a 6 Nations-ending injury.

The 23-year-old tore his hamstring during Scotland's clash with Wales at the beginning of March, but the Sale lock has now regained full fitness and is among five forwards selected for the 10-match tour of Australia.

Gray, who will leave Sale for French club Castres next term, said: "The hamstring feels really good, it feels fantastic.

"At the time, I knew right away something had gone and it tore.

"I suppose on the grand scale of things it's not too bad an injury to pick up. The timing wasn't great, but it hasn't kept me out too long.

"It has been a challenging season personally, as things haven't quite gone to plan.

"Just before the injury I started to get a bit of consistency back. I was happy with the way I was playing during the Six Nations.

"This season will have been a huge learning curve for me. It's something I will learn from and look back on in future times as I have been able to deal with the problems."

Gray will be competing for one of the second-row berths with Paul O'Connell and 1997 and 2001 Lions captain Martin Johnson.

"They are both huge inspirations," Gray added.

"People have asked me who I looked up to during my childhood, and Martin Johnson was one of the ones that stood out.

"I really admired him on the park, just the way he stood up and led. I had the chance to meet him back in October, which was quite nice.

"Paul was unbelievable for Munster against Harlequins last month. It is a credit to the guy that he has been at the top of his game for years, a real stalwart for Ireland and the Lions.

"Considering he was out for a few months with injury troubles, to come back the way he did was exceptional. It was an inspiring performance."