The Grand Slam star was summoned as cover for injuries among the backs, although no-one is being sent home from the 10-match trip.

D’Arcy toured with the Lions to New Zealand four years ago, while he was also a member of Leinster’s Heineken Cup final-winning team 11 days ago.

D'Arcy will remain with the squad for the remainder of the tour, which continues tonight with a match against the Golden Lions at Ellis Park.

Lions head coach Ian McGeechan said: “Gordon has been called up due to the fact that we have had a few injury concerns in the backs.

“While the injuries are being treated by the medical team, we felt it prudent that we call up Gordon to provide us with extra cover in midfield.

“Due to the short nature of this tour, we have to be prepared for every eventuality. An extra back at this stage will provide the extra depth to cover the existing injuries, plus any further injuries we may encounter.”

Centres Keith Earls and Riki Flutey both suffered knocks during the Lions' opening tour fixture against a Royal XV in Rustenburg last Saturday.

Earls suffered a shoulder problem, while Flutey hurt his knee and subsequently underwent a scan.

D'Arcy, meanwhile, has returned to something approaching his best form following injury troubles that stalled his progress at provincial and international levels.

McGeechan added: “Gordon showed in the European Cup final and the recent Barbarians match against England that he is back to his best.

“He was on our reserve list and we had no hesitation in calling him up to the squad, as he is an extremely experienced player who has played 41 times for his country.

“His partnership with Brian O'Driscoll for Leinster and Ireland is a proven one and can only benefit the Lions' squad in South Africa.”

D'Arcy will arrive in South Africa tomorrow, meeting up with the squad in Johannesburg before they head for Bloemfontein later in the day.

The Lions' third tour game is against the Cheetahs at Vodacom Park on Saturday.

Wales wing Leigh Halfpenny linked up with the squad yesterday, having remained behind in Cardiff for intensive treatment on a thigh injury. He has now been declared fully fit.