Jamie Roberts, the bullocking Cardiff Blues centre, captured a place in the Lions squad by helping destroy Gloucester 50-12 to clinch the EDF Energy Cup at Twickenham.

The Lions will need a real physical threat in midfield and that's exactly what Roberts brings to the party and he will keep centre rivals Brian O'Driscoll, Riki Flutey and Tom Shanklin on their toes throughout the 10-match trip.

Roberts made a big impact this season and is surprisingly quick which will be an added bonus on the hard grounds in South Africa.

His partnership with the underrated Tom Shanklin could be one of the surprises of the tour with the pair a likely fall-back position if O'Driscoll, the captain of Ireland, does not prove he is still a major threat with the ball in hand against the Springboks.

Roberts, who made his debut for Wales on the wing against Scotland only last year, is 22 years old, 6ft 4ins and nearly 17st which makes him - in size terms - the perfect build for the Lions back row and his ability to contest loose ball at the breakdowns wide out is another important asset in his favour for the tour.

Meanwhile, Gloucester announced today they have signed Seru Rabeni from Leicester. The Fijian, who can operate at centre and wing, has signed a three-year contract.