MX23RW : Sunday, December 15 07:05:51| >> :600:29156573:29156573:

Billy Vunipola pulls out of British and Irish Lions squad

Billy Vunipola pulls out of Lions squad
© SilverHub
England number eight Billy Vunipola pulls out of the British and Irish Lions squad to tour New Zealand due to a shoulder injury and is replaced by James Haskell.

Billy Vunipola has been forced to withdraw from this summer's British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand due to a shoulder injury.

The England and Saracens number eight had been trying to manage the injury in recent weeks, but he has now confirmed that it will require further treatment which will rule him out of the squad.

Vunipola, who had been expected to be the Lions' starting number eight for the first Test against the All Blacks, will be replaced in the squad by Wasps back-row James Haskell.

"It is really disappointing for Billy and we know how much he was looking forward to joining the squad. He has been carrying an injury and feels he wouldn't be able to contribute fully to the Tour and needs further medical treatment," read a statement from head coach Warren Gatland.

"We really appreciate his honesty in making this decision and wish him luck with his recovery.

"We have called up James to the squad, we wish him all the best next weekend and look forward to welcoming him into camp before we depart."

Haskell will join up with the rest of the squad after the Aviva Premiership final on May 28.

ID:298701: cacheID:298701:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2420:
Written by
Barney Corkhill
Restore Data
Share this article now:
James Haskell and his beard address the media at an England press conference on August 17, 2015
Read Next:
James Haskell injury comeback cut short
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Chiefs
@
Browns
6pm
Ravens
@
Giants
6pm
Jets
@
Jags
6pm
Cowboys
@
Panthers
6pm
Washington
@
Saints
6pm
Dolphins
@
Texans
6pm
Bengals
@
Titans
9.25pm
Colts
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Patriots
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Buccaneers
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Steelers
@
Eagles
9.25pm
Bills
@
Lions


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!