Twelvetrees falls for Lancaster prank over England Test axe

Lancaster played the prank when he pulled Twelvetrees out of breakfast to let him know he had been summoned to join the injury-hit Lions in Australia.

Twelvetrees thought he was in trouble when Lancaster tapped him on the shoulder and asked if he had seen his text message, before taking him into a private room.

The Gloucester centre had been due to start for England in their second Test against Argentina.

Lancaster said: “I pulled him out and said ‘Can I have a word about Saturday? You’re not going to play’.

“He went ‘What have I done?’

“I said ‘You’re off to Australia!’

“It was a bit of a wind-up but a nice wind-up. I am delighted for him. His form in the first Test was excellent.

“His confidence is high and he is more than capable of going out there and playing well.”

The call-up to help the Lions beat the Wallabies had special resonance for Twelvetrees because his mother, Beverley, was born in Australia and her family are based in Newcastle, New South Wales.

“They (Australia) can’t have him,” Lancaster joked.

“It’s too late – he is capped.”

Bath have signed former Ospreys and Cardiff Blues back Gavin Henson.

The 31-year-old, who can operate at fly-half or centre, has won 33 caps for Wales with his last coming in August 2011.

He said: “I am thrilled to be joining Bath this summer, and I look forward to becoming part of what looks a very exciting squad.”

Wales have made four changes for the second Test against Japan in Tokyo on Sunday.

Cardiff Blues flanker Josh Navidi has ben selected to make his international debut at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, with Tom Prydie (Dragons), Rhys Gill (Saracens) and Andries Pretorius (Blues) also drafted into the starting XV.

Wales are looking for a sixth consecutive victory.