British & Irish Lions
Hayes called in to replace injured Murray
Scrum.com
June 18, 2009

Ireland prop John Hayes has been called up to the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa as a replacement for injured Scotland prop Euan Murray.

Murray damaged ankle ligaments during Tuesday's win over the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth and has been forced out of the tour as the squad prepares for the first Test against South Africa in Durban on Saturday.

Hayes was a tourist with the Lions in New Zealand in 2005, and is currently Ireland's most-capped player with 94 appearances. He won a Test cap for the Lions against Argentina at the Millennium Stadium in 2005.

"John Hayes has been called up to replace Euan Murray who sustained an ankle injury in the match against the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth," said Lions head coach Ian McGeechan. "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."

It is anticipated that John Hayes will fly to South Africa on the weekend and will meet up with the squad in Durban.

© Scrum.com

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.