Moriarty ‘shocked’ with Lions call up

“Obviously it’s a shock to me, but I’m truly over the moon. It’s not really sunk in yet,” said a delighted Moriarty.
 
“I was listening on my phone, and checking Twitter and as the names were going on, it was getting longer and longer, and I really didn’t expect to get named.
 
“When it came, I was just so shocked. I didn’t know what to do with myself.”
 
A 12-strong contingent of Welsh players have been named in the touring squad which faces a three-Test series against the All Blacks, and Moriarty is happy to have some familiarity as the squad head down under.
 
“There’s a lot of players that I’ve played with in Wales, and against over the last few years, so everyone is going to be familiar, and hopefully we can go over and do something really good over in New Zealand.”
 
Moriarty highlights his form in a Gloucester shirt as a reason for his call-up, and he is delighted to be recognised from a club he loves.
 
“Obviously I give everything everytime I take to the field with Gloucester, and also on the international stage and it is paying off. Hopefully I’ll be able to pull on a Lions shirt and it will be an honour.”
 
Typically though, Moriarty remains grounded, and speaks of his determination to finish the season well in a Gloucester shirt before looking towards the summer.
 
“We’ve got a semi final this Saturday, and obviously we’re hugely excited about that one. We’re targeting that game hugely this week, and then to the A League semi final on Monday.
 
“It’s been a good time to be at the club.”
 
From the full back shirt at Hartpury’s fourth team, to British and Irish Lion. Moriarty has experienced an incredible rise to the top, and after years of watching the Lions’ tours with admiration, he is now gearing up to be on one.
 
“It’s an honour for any rugby union player to achieve, and I don’t think it has set in yet. I think after it, I will realise what I have done and achieved. So fingers crossed it all goes well.”