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Hansen and Kinghorn Doubtful as Lions Seek Cover for First Test

Coach Andy Farrell has drafted extra cover to fill backline vacancies ahead of his 23-man squad announcement Thursday.

Rugby Union - British & Irish Lions Squad Announcement - O2 Arena, London, Britain - May 8, 2025 The big screen displays the name of Mack Hansen as British & Irish Lions chairman Ieuan Evans announces the squad with head coach Andy Farrell and Maro Itoje Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs/File Photo
(Photo: Getty)
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Overview

  • Mack Hansen skipped full training on Tuesday with a foot injury that Southampton called “nothing serious” but still leaves him doubtful for Saturday’s opener.
  • Blair Kinghorn is also a training absentee after aggravating a knee issue, putting his first-Test prospects in jeopardy.
  • Garry Ringrose and hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie are officially sidelined under concussion protocols, extending the Lions’ unavailable list to four.
  • Farrell expanded his tour roster to 44 by adding Tom Clarkson, Jamie Osborne and Scotland’s Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland and Darcy Graham as injury cover.
  • Final fitness assessments will follow Wednesday workouts before Farrell names his 23-man lineup on Thursday, with selection headaches persisting across the squad.