HENDY star Josh Adams made an emotional return to the field for the British and Irish Lions in South Africa, after witnessing the the birth of his daughter online.

The flying Cardiff Blues winger withdrew from the 17-13 defeat against South Africa A on Wednesday to witness the birth of his first child over a video call.

Adams, the Tour’s top try scorer, has travelled with his partner Georgia's full blessing, and he received the call in midweek that she had gone into labour.

The Lions waited until 5.30pm to see if the baby had arrived by then, with Georgia in the latter stages of labour, but the 26 year-old was pulled from the team.

He returned to line up against Stormers in the 49-3 victory on Saturday, and will now be hoping to channel his emotions into the first Test against the Springboks.

"I had to keep my emotions under wraps, it was a different experience watching the birth this way, but it was something I just had to do," said Adams.

"I was a bit emotional, and it has been hard to be honest, but I spoke to them before coming here to play, and the family had given me their backing.

"I had to watch it happening, it's something huge in my life and in Georgia's life as well, so I was never going to miss the opportunity to watch it.

"They are all behind me, I don't think it would have worked unless we sat down and had these conversations, but now I just want to do them proud."

Adams returned in time for the final match, before Warren Gatland names his team to face South Africa in the first Test on 24 July in Cape Town.

Although he did not score against Stormers, he has already notched up eight tries in his first three games, and hopes this form has earned a starting spot.

"There are going to be some tight calls with regards to the back three and the loose forwards, and how that mix is going to look," said coach Warren Gatland.

"They are probably going to be the tightest calls, but we will make sure we look at the starting XV, and also the impact off the bench as well.

"We will sit down and have a look at the game and sit down with the medics, and then we will start thinking about those right combinations."