Leicester Tigers flanker Tom Croft said his selection for the British & Irish Lions feels completely "unreal" as he never even thought he would be in contention.
The call-up has rounded off a remarkable 12 months for the back-rower, who only returned to first-team rugby at the start of the year.
A career-threatening neck injury picked up against Harlequins last April resigned Croft to eight long months on the side-lines.
But now he is one of six Tigers selected for the Lions tour alongside Manu Tuilagi, Dan Cole, Tom Youngs, Ben Youngs and Geoff Parling.
"It is just unreal," said Croft. "A year ago I broke my neck so, to be able to come back and be selected for the Lions, is just a fairytale, without sounding too cheesy and corny.
"It hasn't sunk in. I'm absolutely ecstatic. And I am made up that I've got my mates along with me this time."
It was not long ago that the 27-year-old completely rejected any notion of being selected. "Don't get ahead of yourself," said Croft in March when asked about a potential Lions call-up following his impressive performance against Sale.
But just two months on and Croft's outstanding form made him virtually impossible to leave out and, sure enough, he now finds himself on the plane to Australia.
"When I said that, it wasn't an attempt to be modest," said Croft. "I genuinely never thought I would be in contention. I came back playing at the end of the Six Nations and was still trying to find my feet."
Croft is the only one of the travelling Tigers to have previous Lions experience.
He was a late selection for the tour of South Africa in 2009, following the suspension of Alan Quinlan, and scored two tries in the first Test.
"Hopefully, I can take some of that experience," said Croft.
"But all the guys selected have massive experience in Test-match rugby, playing in huge games and World and Heineken Cups. No-one will be out of their depth."
Five out of the six Tigers players are products of the club's academy system, and Croft believes that pays testament to how Leicester nurtures its talent.
"It just shows how well the club looks after its players and the types of characters it brings through," he said.
"Look at Tom Youngs and how well they have brought him through from centre to hooker.
"He is now the club's starting hooker, England's starting hooker and a Lions tourist.
"And who would have thought that skinny guy Geoff Parling from Newcastle would play for the Lions? He absolutely fully deserves a call-up, as do the rest of the boys."
