Gordon D’Arcy today received a belated call-up to the British and Irish Lions squad as coach Ian McGeechan looks to bolster his squad ahead of the forthcoming Test series against South Africa. D’Arcy’s addition, coupled with Leigh Halfpenny rejoining the tour yesterday, brings the number of playing personell to 38.
The Leinster and Ireland centre was overlooked last month when Tom Shanklin was invalided out of the tour but, with the Lions bound to pick up even more bumps and bruises on the road, was added to the touring party today.
“Gordon has been called up due to the fact that we have had a few injury concerns in the backs,” McGeechan explained in a statement released this afternoon. “While the injuries 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, three matches (sic) into the tour, will provide the extra depth to cover the existing injuries plus any further injuries we may encounter.”
Since returning from a long-term injury at the start of the year, D’Arcy has regained the form he displayed at his peak and was a key figure in Ireland’s Grand Slam and Leinster’s Heneiken Cup successes.
“Gordon showed in the European Rugby Cup final and the recent Barbarians match against England that he is back to his best,” added McGeechan.
“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.”
D’Arcy is due to touch down in Johannesburg tomorrow and is unlikely to be available for selection until after Saturday’s game against the Cheetahs.
His arrival boosts the number of Irish players in the squad to 12. There had originally been 14 Irish named in McGeechan’s original selection but Tomas O’Leary and Jerry Flannery were ruled out through injury before the squad had even departed while Alan Quinlan’s ban put an end to his tour.
The tour continues in Ellis Park this evening as the Lions attempt to put Saturday’s disappointing performance behind them when they take on the Golden Lions.
