Lions 2009 - Hayes called up by Lions

Eurosport - Thu, 18 Jun 17:31:00 2009

Ireland prop John Hayes has been called up into the British and Irish Lions squad for the remainder of their South Africa tour.

John Hayes - Munster - 0

Grand Slam winner Hayes (pictured) replaces Scotland tigh-thead Euan Murray, who suffered a tour-ending ankle injury during the victory over Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday.

Hayes, who has won 94 caps, toured with the 2005 Lions to New Zealand, playing in four provincial matches. He is expected to link up with the squad in Durban this weekend.

Munster forward Hayes would be in the frame to start next Tuesday's final midweek tour game against the Emerging Springboks in Cape Town.

Murray, meanwhile, follows the likes of fellow injured players Stephen Ferris and Leigh Halfpenny in making an early exit.

He was hurt early in the game at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, being replaced by Wales prop Adam Jones.

Lions head coach Ian McGeechan said: "The medical team have now fully assessed Euan's injury and have determined it 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 is an experienced international front-row forward. He was an integral part of the Irish Grand Slam win this year."

PA Sport

Comment 1 - 9 of 9

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  1. A true Gentle Giant, Two Hino Cup, Magner leagues,Grand­ slam, Lions call up
    A fantastic career, fantastic­ example to young sports men.
    What a career, when he­ goes he will be sadly missed, a irish man first and­ leinster man second. COME ON THE LIONS

    From Mark C, on Fri 19 Jun 8:32AM

  2. its about time he was called up!!!!!
    should ave ben on­ the team in the first place....
    o connell will play his­ best now that hayes is back lifting him!!!!
    hayes is­ the most under rated player in rugby
    people dont­ relise how much work he gets through in amatch....
    fair­ play to mc geechan :)

    From Anthony, on Thu 18 Jun 11:57PM

  3. well done big man. it's about time the Irish were­ taken seriously when it comes 2 rugby. they were the­ punchline in all the jokes 4 long enough. no-one's­ laughin at em now though

    From annettegannon, on Thu 18 Jun 11:22PM

  4. right man for the job, I was hoping he would not get­ the call because he needs a break. If anything happens­ to him Ireland are f.ecked

    From markear1, on Thu 18 Jun 7:47PM

  5. if he gets a crack at the tests he'll be liftin­ lineout jumpers on his own, amazing to watch think he­ and sheridan are only ones able to do it, good call to­ bring him out

    From barry, on Thu 18 Jun 7:42PM

  6. they were not gonna replace him with any other prop!:)­ real shame for murray through, was scrummaging very­ well, might have earned a test place in the 2nd or­ third test depending on how the srum goes on sat.

    From bmuirboy, on Thu 18 Jun 6:54PM

  7. go go big man

    From frankkenny96, on Thu 18 Jun 5:53PM

  8. should of been there from the start

    From sugruejames55, on Thu 18 Jun 5:42PM

  9. Good call

    From Donald D, on Thu 18 Jun 5:37PM
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