British & Irish Lions
Rory Best drafted into Lions squad
ESPN Staff
May 26, 2013
Ulster hooker Rory Best reflects on his side's loss. Ulster v Leinster, RaboDirect PRO12, RDS, Dublin, Ireland, May 25, 2013
Rory Best's disappointment at losing in the PRO12 final will be tempered by news of his Lions call-up © PA Photos
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Ulster hooker Rory Best has been added to the British & Irish Lions squad following the suspension of his Northampton counterpart Dylan Hartley.

The Ireland international's call-up follows Hartley's 11-week suspension after he was sent off during the Saints' Aviva Premiership final defeat to Leicester on Saturday.

Commenting on Best's promotion, tour manager Andy Irvine, said: "The British & Irish Lions leave on tour tomorrow (Monday, May 27). With uncertainty over the availability of Dylan Hartley to tour, and with the first of 10 matches only days away we had no option but to call up the additional player.

"Despite the circumstances we should congratulate Rory, who will join the squad tomorrow and fly with us to Hong Kong. A final decision on whether Dylan Hartley will take any part in the tour will depend on the outcome of any potential appeal."

Best, who had been appointed Ireland captain for the summer tour of north America, will link up with the Lions tomorrow ahead of their flight to Hong Kong.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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