Lions full back Lee Byrne has turned his attention to international and club honours after rediscovering his love for the game.
The Welsh star is in the running for a European and domestic double with club side Clermont Auvergne but he also has his eyes cast further ahead on the Lions’ 2013 tour to Australia.
“I’m really enjoying things. I’m in a good place and I’m happy with my rugby. Playing behind this team is unbelievable. We just want to keep on pushing now,” said Byrne.
The focus this week is Heineken cup glory as his Clermont side take on holders Leinster in the semi-finals and simply being in the final four represents a change in fortune for the 31-year-old.
“It was third time lucky for me in terms of quarter finals after losing with the Ospreys,” added Byrne, who will go head-to-head with Lions team-mate Rob Kearney in battle of two of Britain and Ireland’s top full backs.
“Winning a Heineken Cup would top it all off really. I’ve got Grand Slams, the Lions, but this is the pinnacle of your career. It’s the biggest club competition in Europe. We’re right in the mixer and we just need to keep our momentum going and build on that.
“It will be a great battle with Rob. Rob’s playing well and he’s at the top of his game.”
And having experienced life with the Lions in 2009, Byrne admits the Lions are now on his mind yet again ahead of next summer’s trip Down Under.
“Oh yeah, of course. I want to put myself back out there, and there’s no better way than the Heineken Cup. Playing in these big games is like playing in international matches.
“We’ve got the summer tour, autumn internationals and the 6 Nations on the agenda first, though.”
