England's Jamie George is the latest player to have been called up to the British and Irish Lions squad ahead of next week’s opening Test against Australia in Brisbane.
The 34-year-old will fly straight to Brisbane from England’s base in Argentina and link up with the squad at the start of the week, following Luke Cowan-Dickie's concussion sustained in this afternoon’s 48-0 win against the AUNZ Invitational XV.
George had been slated to start for England tonight in their second Test against Argentina in San Juan, but has withdrawn from the side, with Theo Dan now starting at hooker and Northampton’s Curtis Langdon promoted to the bench.
George had been considered unlucky to miss out on the original squad when it was announced in May, but having stepped in as cover for the pre-tour training camp in Portugal while others were still at their clubs, he will now get the chance to feature on his third Lions tour, having also been in New Zealand in 2013 and South Africa in 2021.
Farrell confirmed that Cowan-Dickie was in a good condition after what was a worrying incident in the first half in Adelaide.
The Sale hooker was carted off the pitch in a neck brace which was, thankfully, a precautionary measure, and the hooker was seen walking on the sideline during the second half.
"He got up straight away as he got off the stretcher and he’s back to being his normal self," Farrell said after the game.
"It’s unfortunate for him, but unfortunately it looked like a concussion there, so we’ll see what has to happen off the back of that."
George will likely first appear in the mid-week fixture against the First Nations and Pasifika XV on Tuesday 22 July, with Dan Sheehan and Rónan Kelleher expected to be used in the first Test at Suncorp Stadium.
He’s now the fourth player to come in as injury cover during this tour, following Ben White, Owen Farrell and Jamie Osborne.
