Following Tuesday's announcement of the British and Irish Lions squad to tour Australia in the summer, the five Ospreys named in the travelling squad have given their reaction to the news:
Ian Evans
"This is what every player in Britain and Ireland wants to be part of. Legends have worn the jersey in the past, people who have made a huge mark on the game. The challenge now is knuckling down and trying to put your hand up for Test selection. It is all about taking your chance."
"It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and to be part of it is overwhelming. We had a day off yesterday so it was just me, the television and the dog barking at the postman. Then at 11 o'clock, it was head down hoping my name was going to be called out.
"When it was, it was just a massive pressure release. I had been so nervous, winding myself up about it, it was wow, and then moments later there were texts and phone calls coming through. It was overwhelming."
Richard Hibbard
"It's a huge honour to be chosen to tour with the Lions. The challenge now is to do myself justice and help the team win the series. I think we'll do well out there. I've enjoyed my rugby this season although I've had some injury niggles, and I think I've hit a consistent high standard, which is what you need in a Lions year.
"With the quality of players I'm up against for a place it's going to be a tough challenge but that's part of the Lions experience and I can't wait.
"You do feel for the boys who have missed out, like Ryan Jones and Dan Biggar. It's heartbreaking for them, but they will be on the reserve list, so all isn't lost."
Adam Jones
"It's a massive honour to be selected for the Lions, so to make the squad a second time is something to take great pride in. For the Ospreys to have five players in the squad is something special and is the result of a lot of hard work over the last four years, not just by those who've been selected, but by the rest of the squad and the coaches as well.
"Going to Australia for the tour is going to be a fantastic experience and a real challenge, but one that we can all look forward to."
Alun Wyn Jones
"The Lions experience is a pretty unique one, unlike anything that you will get playing for your club or region, or for your country. You are representing four nations, not one. There is a lot of pressure but you have to make sure it does not get to you. It is a very special experience.
"I'm fortunate to be going for a second time so I know what to expect, and having experienced the 2009 tour I'm determined to enjoy every second and make sure I take it all in. It's a very strong squad and some great players have missed out - just look at the players from within our region who will be disappointed they haven't been selected, never mind from other teams - so the challenge now is to make an early impression and hopefully secure a place in the Test team."
Justin Tipuric
"There's been a lot of talking about the Lions squad over the last couple of months but as a player you just try to ignore it and get on with your own game. At the Ospreys there's a good group of players who will keep you grounded, and there's plenty of competition for places so there's no chance of you getting ahead of yourself really.
"To be selected for the tour is a proud moment, something for all my family to enjoy really. After being able to play a part in the Six Nations championship win it's another big step forward for me in terms of my career and I just want to make sure I enjoy the experience and do myself and everybody who's helped me get to this point justice."