Simon Zebo has been called up to the Lions squad as cover for his Irish teammate Tommy Bowe, who has yet to be officially ruled out of the tour.
The Munster man was part of a laboured Irish side that struggled to see off the challenge of the USA in Houston last night, relying on the boot of Ian Madigan to overcome the Eagles in a 15- 12 victory. He will touch down in Newcastle tomorrow morning as Warren Gatland takes precautionary measures with Bowe now a major doubt for the rest of the series.
The winger was in top form in yesterday’s win over the Queensland Reds until he was forced off with a fracture in his hand. The Ulster man is to undergo surgery this morning with some reports suggesting he could be back within two weeks.
Gatland has delayed making a call on Bowe’s time Down Under until after surgery, but has called up the talented Munster player to the squad nonetheless.
Many Irish fans were disappointed when he, along with Rory Best were initially overlooked for squad selection, but both are now part of the shake-up and will be thinking it is a case of better late than never.
It is unfortunate that he could well be replacing an Irish teammate, but we wish Tommy all the best with his surgery and recovery.
