Just hours after receiving the welcome news that he would not face any hearing over an alleged biting incident, Cian Healy has been ruled out through injury.
The prop has had the ultimate bittersweet day in Brisbane after independent judicial officer Nigel Hampton QC found that there was insufficient evidence to punish the Leinster forward for an alleged bite on Western Force scrumhalf Brett Sheehan.
However that positive turn of events has been swiftly been replaced by the news that the ankle injury he sustained during the game last Wednesday is as bad as first feared and will play no further part in the tour.
The news will come as a huge blow to both the player himself and the Lions management, who many believed had earmarked for a starting spot in the frontrow to face the Wallabies.
Alex Corbisiero has already been called up to the squad, while another prop will also be making the long journey to Australia as injury cover. Scotland’s Ryan Grant will be heading to Oz as cover for Gethin Jenkins who is struggling with a calf injury. Both props are expected to arrive in camp tomorrow.
