Lions v Japan: Fagerson ruled out of 1888 Cup

[more]

Zander Fagerson

Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland) has been ruled out of this Saturday’s clash against Japan with a back spasm.

The tighthead prop was due to start at BT Murrayfield Stadium for The Vodafone Lions 1888 Cup but was unable to train this morning and is replaced in the starting XV by Tadhg Furlong (Leinster Rugby, Ireland).

“It’s a shame for Zander not to be able to run out at Murrayfield as a Lion, but he’s not quite one hundred percent,” said Lions head coach Warren Gatland,

“He’ll get a chance to start in the next two games and stake a claim for a Test spot in South Africa, so it’s not worth the risk.”

Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, England) is added to the bench to complete the matchday 23.

On Wednesday the Lions were forced into another change, with Hamish Watson ruled out with concussion and replaced by Justin Tipuric in the backrow.

The Vodafone Lions 1888 Cup will be shown live and exclusively on Channel 4 on Saturday 26 June (kick off 3pm).

THE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS vs JAPAN – The Vodafone Lions 1888 Cup

15. Liam Williams (Scarlets, Wales) #833

14. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby, Wales)

13. Robbie Henshaw (Leinster Rugby, Ireland) #824

12. Bundee Aki (Connacht Rugby, Ireland)

11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby, Scotland)

10. Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints, Wales) #821

9. Conor Murray (Munster Rugby, Ireland) #790

1. Rory Sutherland (Edinburgh Rugby, Scotland)

2. Ken Owens (Scarlets, Wales) #829

3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster Rugby, Ireland) #818

4. Iain Henderson (Ulster Rugby, Ireland) #808

5. Alun Wyn Jones – Captain (Ospreys, Wales) #761

6. Tadhg Beirne (Munster Rugby, Ireland)

7. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys, Wales) – Back row #786

8. Jack Conan (Leinster Rugby, Ireland)

Replacements:

16. Jamie George (Saracens, England) #819

17. Wyn Jones (Scarlets, Wales)

18. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, England) #814

19. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, England) #826

20. Taulupe Faletau (Bath Rugby, Wales) #779

21. Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)

22. Owen Farrell (Saracens, England) #780

23. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, England) #816

Saturday 26 June 2021

BT Murrayfield Stadium

Kick-off: 3pm, live on channel 4

Previous story Lions v Japan: Tipuric to replace Watson in starting XV
Next story Joseph names Japan team for historic 1888 Cup clash with the Lions