Ireland centre Gordon D’Arcy has been added to the British and Irish squad for the remainder of their tour of South Africa.
Although no-one has been forced to leave the tour, head coach Ian McGeechan has a number of injury concerns amongst his backs and felt it was better to have additional cover.
D’Arcy, who last month helped Leinster win the European Cup, will arrive in South Africa on Thursday.
McGeechan said: ”While the injuries [in the backs] are being treated by the medical team we felt it prudent that we call up Gordon to provide us with extra cover in midfield.
”Due to the short nature of this tour we have to be prepared for every eventuality. An extra back at this stage will provide the extra depth to cover the existing injuries plus any further injuries we may encounter.”
Centres Keith Earls (shoulder) and Riki Flutey (knee) both suffered knocks during the Lions’ opening tour fixture against a Royal XV in Rustenburg on Saturday.
McGeechan added: ”Gordon showed in the European Rugby Cup final and the recent Barbarians match against England that he is back to his best. He was on our reserve list and we had no hesitation in calling him up to the squad as he is an extremely experienced player who has played 41 times for his country.
”His partnership with Brian O’Driscoll for Leinster and Ireland is a proven one and can only benefit the Lions’ squad here in South Africa.”
D’Arcy was part of the Lions squad that toured New Zealand in 2005 although his only Test cap for them came in the pre-tour match against Argentina.
The back was sidelined for most of last year after breaking his arm but regained his best form in the second half of the just-finished European season. –AFP
