John Hayes the Ireland prop with 94 caps has been called up to the British and Irish Lions squad in South Africa as a replacement for the injured Euan Murray. Scotland prop Murray has been ruled out of the tour with an ankle injury sustained during the Southern Kings match on Tuesday. Munster forward Hayes, 35, will fly out for the remainder of the tour.
Lions coach Ian McGeechan said: (quote) John is an experienced international front row forward who has played 94 times for his country. He was an integral part of the Irish Grand Slam win this year. He also played four provincial matches on the 2005 tour to New Zealand and won a Lions Test cap against Argentina prior to the tour. (end quote)
It is anticipated that Hayes will meet up with the squad over the weekend and will be in contention for Tuesday’s final midweek tour game against the Emerging Springboks in Cape Town.