John Hayes could yet pull on the famous British and Irish Lions jersey on this tour after being called into the squad this afternoon. The veteran Munster and Ireland prop has been drafted in to replace the injured Euan Murray.
The 35-year-old tighthead, Ireland’s most capped player with 94, was involved in the 2005 tour to New Zealand and was capped in the pre-tour warm-up against Argentina.
Hayes is expected to join up with the squad this weekend following the first Test against the Sprinboks in Durban.
Lions coach Ian McGeechan today confirmed that Murray will play no further part on tour after suffering an ankle injury during Tuesday’s bruising victory over the Southern Kings.
“John Hayes has been called up to replace Euan Murray who sustained an ankle injury in the match against the Southern Kings. The medical team have now fully assessed his injury and have determined that the injury is serious enough to mean he will play no further part on the tour.
“Euan left the field because of the injury and has damaged the structures around the ankle joint. He is subject to further assessment, treatment and specialist opinion but may require surgical repair. John Hayes will be a straight swap for Euan in the squad.”
James Hook, who took a knock to his neck and head in Port Elizabeth, will be staying with the squad and trained today. The Wales international and is on course to be available for next Tuesday’s final midweek game against the Emerging Springboks in Cape Town.
