Carlisle’s Chris Harris has been named in the British and Irish Lions squad – to the pride of his former club.

The Cumbria-born centre 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.

And Carlisle Rugby Club, where Harris spent many of his formative rugby years, shared their joy at the 30-year-old Gloucester star’s call-up.

Writing on their Facebook page, the Warwick Road club said: “We just heard one of our former cubs roar.

“Congratulations Chris Harris on becoming a Lion from all at Carlisle Rugby.

“We’re proud to have played a part in your development as a player.

“From the elysian fields of Warwick Road to the South African savanna is some journey…”

Gloucester head coach George Skivington also saluted the Carlisle-born star for his call-up, saying it was fully deserved.

He said: “We are all really pleased for Chris.

“He has been phenomenal for us this season and has replicated that form on the international stage as well.

“Defensively there aren’t many players who lead the line as well as he does, and he really is truly deserving of this call-up.”

Head coach Gatland, speaking after confirming his squad in London said: “We believe we’ve picked a squad capable of winning a test series in South Africa.

“This has been the most challenging selection I have been involved in. Over the course of the last three weeks the coaches and I have rigorously debated each position.

“We saw some outstanding performance in the recent Six Nations, so competition for places has been tough with some incredibly tight calls to make.

“We’ve left out some very talented players which gives an indication to the strength of this squad and we know how important that stand-by list will be.”

The tour starts next month, with the first of three tests against the Springboks coming on June 24.