BREAKING NEWS: Billy Vunipola out of Lions tour to NZ

England No 8 Billy Vunipola powers through the tackles of Springboks Adriaan Strauss and Pieter-Steph du Toit at Twickenham last November. Photo: Mike Egerton, PA

England No 8 Billy Vunipola powers through the tackles of Springboks Adriaan Strauss and Pieter-Steph du Toit at Twickenham last November. Photo: Mike Egerton, PA

Published May 21, 2017

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Billy Vunipola has withdrawn from the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand due to an ongoing shoulder injury.

The England and Saracens No 8 had been managing the injury, which now requires further medical treatment.

Wasps and England back-rower James Haskell will join the squad next Sunday following the English Premiership Final.

British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland said: “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. 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.”

The Lions squad convened at Carton House near Dublin on Sunday evening with 30 players in attendance.

Routine medical screening will be conducted over the next 24 hours.

British and Irish Lions

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