A FORMER Tynedale rugby player has been named in the British and Irish Lions squad.

Cumbrian-born centre Chris Harris, who played for the Corbridge club while dual registered with the Newcastle Falcons, was selected by Warren Gatland in a 37-man squad for this summer’s series against South Africa.

Harris made the cut after his impressive displays for Scotland in this year’s Six Nations.

Harris, who currently plays for Gloucester after five years with the Falcons, is one of eight Scotland players called up by Gatland, the nation’s biggest contribution to a Lions squad.

The tour starts in early July, with the first test against the Springboks coming on July 24, the second on July 31 and the third on August 7.