Hayes called into Lions squad
Thursday, 18 June 2009 19:31
Ireland prop John Hayes has been called up into the British and Irish Lions squad for the remainder of their South Africa tour.
Grand Slam winner Hayes replaces Scotland tighthead 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.'
