Andy Farrell has called up another player to his Lions squad ahead of the Test series with the Wallabies
The British and Irish Lions have called up Ireland prop Tom Clarkson as cover ahead of next Saturday’s first Test against Australia in Brisbane, despite there being no tighthead injuries within Andy Farrell’s squad.
The Lions have needed to call upon reinforcements in the last few days due to some untimely knocks as Farrell prepares for next week’s first Test at Suncorp Stadium.
Leinster utility back Jamie Osborne has joined up with the squad as they arrived in Brisbane today, having been called in to cover Scotland full-back Blair Kinghorn after he picked up a knock against the Brumbies last Wednesday. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
Saracens hooker Jamie George is also on his way to Australia, having been pulled out of England’s clash with Argentina on Saturday night to make the long commute to cover compatriot Luke Cowan-Dickie – who was injured during yesterday’s clash with the AUNZ Invitational side.
However, Clarkson – who started in Ireland’s victory over Portugal on Saturday – joins up with the squad despite existing tightheads Tadhg Furlong, Will Stuart and Finlay Bealham all being fit.
The 25-year-old has just eight Ireland caps, having featured in their summer Tests against Georgia and Portugal.
Clarkson is the 18th Ireland player in the current Lions squad.
As well as that, he becomes the 15th Leinster player in Farrell’s touring squad, as the Lions coach looks to bring in extra cover ahead of one final midweek game.
After the first Test, the Lions will travel to Melbourne – where they will play First Nations and Pasifika XV on Tuesday ahead of the second Test.
Clearly, by bringing in Clarkson – who made his Ireland debut last autumn – Farrell is unlikely to risk either of his Test tightheads in that midweek clash.
Clarkson, while relatively inexperienced at Test level, played a crucial part in Leinster’s recent United Rugby Championship win – starting all of their play-off matches.
England hooker Cowan-Dickie, who suffered a head injury yesterday during the 48-0 win over the invitational outfit, will remain with the Lions.
Both Cowan-Dickie and Ireland centre Garry Ringrose are expected to be fit for the second Test, having already been ruled out of next Saturday’s Test in Brisbane.
