WELSH rugby hero Michael Owen got a double dose of joy when he dashed over the line just in time for the birth of his second daughter.

Months after being part of the victorious Welsh rugby team in the Six Nations championship, Michael now has fresh cause for celebration.

Michael left his British Lions' teammates behind in New Zealand for a brief visit home so he could be with his wife Lucy when their baby Olivia Louise was delivered.

The Newport Gwent Dragons player arrived home earlier than expected and was able to take Lucy to hospital for a planned Caesarean section. The couple also have a two-year-old daughter Ellie.

"Mother and baby are doing very well," said an emotional Michael, who captained Wales to their Grand Slam triumph earlier this year.

"I'm chuffed to bits. It's been a brilliant weekend for me and it was certainly worth the effort of flying around the world to see Olivia being born. "It was a special moment for our family - something we will never forget. Olivia weighed in at 8lbs 12 oz.

"As far as rugby is concerned, this trip doesn't change anything and I'll be doing the best I can to perform once I rejoin my Lions' teammates for the rest of the tour."

Michael was with his wife Lucy less than five hours after he landed in Heathrow following his 22-hour dash from the other side of the world. He met his father Colin just as he was preparing to take Lucy to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital.

"I was just about to get into my car when I heard a voice from down the road say, 'Hiya Dad'. I looked up and there was Michael walking towards me," said Colin. It was a bit of a shock because he was earlier than expected.

"He was looking really good despite the long journey and he was able to take Lucy into the hospital for the birth."

Michael now faces the long-haul journey back to New Zealand tonight but hopefully the return journey will be more relaxing now he knows his new daughter has been safely delivered.