Jim Hamilton: 'Barbarian call-up on par with British and Irish Lions'

Jim Hamilton has said that being included in the Barbarians side to face the British and Irish Lions is on a par with playing for the Lions.

The Scottish lock, who has 46 international caps, was overlooked by Warren Gatland for the Lions squad.

The 30-year-old told Sky Sports News: "I was extremely disappointed to not be going on the Lions tour. It's a boyhood dream. Every guy who plays professional rugby, who is British or Irish, it's a dream for them.

"My form in the Six Nations was the best it has been. I couldn't have asked for any more, personally, of myself and as a team, for Scotland, we did reasonably well.

"That [disappointment] subsided and you just have to move on. To get the opportunity to play for the Baa-Baas, I wouldn't even say it's a secondary thing for me. I'd say it's on a par with playing for the Lions."

The Barbarians face the Lions in Hong Kong tomorrow.