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Billy Twelvetrees gave up Greek holiday to be a Lion and couldn't be happier

The English centre is hoping to get a chance to play alongside one of his rugby heroes, Brian O’Driscoll.

WITH THE RECENT raft of Lions call-ups, it would probably be pointless to ask where you were when you heard Billy Twelvetrees was as to pack his bags and head Down Under. The English centre will never forget where he was.

He said, “It feels surreal being here. I was training on Wednesday morning and preparing for the Argentina Test match when [England coach] Stuart Lancaster told me. It was a pretty awesome feeling.”

“I had to give up a holiday in Greece but I’d much rather be here,” he remarked.

The Gloucester player, who was given the nickname ’36′ by former Leicester Tigers teammate Geordan Murphy, will start against the ACT Brumies in Canberra on Tuesday. Also included in the backline will be the newest Lions of the 2013 tour, Shane Williams and Brad Barritt.

Twelvetrees said, “The adrenaline will be pretty high [before kick-off]. I can’t wait to get the shirt on.”

The 24-year-old made his England debut against Scotland in this year’s Six Nations and has scored two tries in five matches for his country since then. His goalkicking abilities mean he will deputise for Lions fullback/mascot-minder/outhalf Stuart Hogg. With half the tour over, however, does he feel he has enough time to force his way into the Test reckoning?

“You’ve got to believe in your own ability,” Twelvetrees responded. “It has gotten me far this year.

Getting my England debut, then starting games and now joining up on this tour. You have to make what you can of the chances you get. I’ve been given that opportunity [against the Brumbies] now so I want to take it with both hands and play some good rugby.”

Twelvetrees is another of the current Lions to have grown up fascinated with the 1997 and 2001 tours, and inspired by the Living with Lions documentary. He is hoping to get the chance to play alongside one of the stars of the 2001 tour, Brian O’Driscoll.

The centre is five days in Australia but reveals he has already watched most of the video packages on the Brumbies since he touched down. “They’ve played well in the Super Rugby this season and it should be a tough game.”

TheScore.ie will be liveblogging all the Lions v Brumbies action from 10am on Tuesday.

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