And Dallaglio, part of the successful Lions squad in South Africa in 1997, claims every position in the Test side is up for grabs.

‘‘Anyone lucky enough to make it on that tour will enjoy something very special,’’ said Dallaglio told Rugby World.

‘‘But no-one should presume they’ve made it just by making the squad. One thing I learnt quickly in 1997 was that once you are picked for the squad it has only just begun.

‘‘If you look at the likely Test team in 1997 after the squad was picked it was unrecognisable from the team that actually ran out in South Africa.

‘‘So many players used the Lions tour to demonstrate some of the best form of their career. I’d say to anyone picked in the squad: Your job has only just begun, not finished.’’

Dallaglio reveals that first-time tourists to Australia are in for a culture shock when the squad meets up in the last week of May.

‘‘When I was selected in 1997 I had no real idea what it all meant. But when you link up with the squad for the first time it starts to sink in and you get an idea of how lucky you are to go on a Lions tour.

‘‘In a world where we play more and more international rugby, the Lions has a special place in people’s hearts and is the pinnacle of any player’s career.’’