ROTORUA – Ross Moriarty has been ruled out of the remainder of the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand due to injury.
The Wales back-rower became a Lion in the opening tour victory against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians, but a nerve injury has ruled him out of tour.
Coach Warren Gatland said: “We are really disappointed for Ross. He has had a hugely impressive season, capped off with selection for the British and Irish Lions, and his performance in the first match justified that selection.
“It is disappointing to see injury cut his tour short, but we wish him all the best with his recovery.”
Moriarty said: “It has been my dream since I was able to understand what rugby was, to play for the British and Irish Lions.
“Rugby is a huge part of mine and my family’s life, and I’m hugely honoured to have been able to pull on the famous jersey and be part of this group and this tour. I feel becoming a Lion was reward for all the people who have helped me get to this stage in my career, and I have really enjoyed the experience.”
Meanwhile, Gatland has called up four players as the Lions prepare for the Test series against New Zealand.
Warren Gatland has brought in reinforcements ahead of the Test series against the All Blacks. Photo: Greg Bowker, New Zealand Herald via AP
Wales’ Cory Hill, Kristian Dacey, Gareth Davies and Tomas Francis will join the squad this afternoon following their Test against Tonga in Auckland.
Gatland said: “We have said all along that we need to give ourselves the best chance of winning the Test series, and that could potentially involve calling up players.
“Bringing in these players from an identical time zone, who can hit the ground running and step straight in rather than having to adjust following long-haul travel, will help us manage players before the first Test.
“(It will) give us quality training numbers to prepare properly, as well as offering us options for selection for the Chiefs match.”
The Welsh quartet will attend the game against the Maori All Blacks in Rotorua today.
There will be a further announcement regarding call-ups following the conclusion of other Home Union Tests this weekend.