**Zander Fagerson Withdraws from Lions Tour as Injury Forces Squad Reshuffle**
The British and Irish Lions have faced a significant setback ahead of their highly anticipated tour to Australia, as Scotland prop Zander Fagerson has been forced to withdraw due to a calf injury. The Glasgow Warriors front-rower, who has not featured since April, was a key figure in Andy Farrell’s plans, and his injury sees Ireland’s Finlay Bealham called up as a replacement.
In preparation for the demanding schedule ahead, head coach Andy Farrell has named a 24-man travelling party that will make its way to Portugal this week for a pre-tour training camp in Quinta do Lago. The squad gathered in Dublin on Sunday evening before their departure, however, they travel without 16 members of the original 38-player selection. Those absentees are currently tied up with domestic or European club commitments.
Among those remaining with their clubs are twelve Leinster stars, including the likes of Tadhg Furlong, Hugo Keenan and James Lowe. With the United Rugby Championship final imminent, these players will only link up with the wider group once their club duties are complete. Similarly, Finn Russell and Will Stuart are preparing with Bath for their Gallagher Premiership final clash, while their opponent Ollie Chessum represents Leicester.
Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn also remains unavailable as he continues his campaign with Toulouse in France’s Top 14. To cover for these multiple absentees, Farrell has extended invitations to England’s Jamie George and young Sale prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour for the Portugal camp. George, a seasoned international, brings a wealth of Lions experience having toured in both 2017 and 2021. Meanwhile, Opoku-Fordjour, who made his England debut last autumn, reinforces the training squad and brings valuable versatility to the scrum.
The changes underline the fluctuating nature of modern rugby tours, where injuries and scheduling conflicts are an ever-present challenge. Head coach Farrell acknowledged the disappointment within the camp, stating, “It’s tough on Zander to miss out so close to the tour, but now Finlay gets an opportunity to come in and add to the group. Unfortunately, this is part and parcel of the game, so we always have to be prepared for it.” He remained positive about the future prospects, adding that the forthcoming camp in Portugal will be pivotal as the players aim to gel and finalise game plans before their opening fixture.
Looking ahead, the full squad will finally reunite in Ireland next week once domestic finals have drawn to a close. Their first competitive fixture on the tour will see them take on Argentina in the 1888 Cup at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on 20 June. This match is set to serve as a crucial tune-up ahead of the summer’s main contests down under.
Squad depth will be thoroughly tested in these coming weeks, as the Lions balance preparation with the need for player welfare and rotation. For some, like Bealham and Opoku-Fordjour, this unexpected opportunity could prove the making of their careers, offering invaluable experience at the highest level.
Key names in the Portugal camp for the forwards include Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Luke Cowan-Dickie, and Maro Itoje, alongside Welsh flanker Jac Morgan and rising English star Henry Pollock. The backs are bolstered by experienced internationals such as Bundee Aki, Elliot Daly, Mack Hansen and Marcus Smith, promising a blend of skill, imagination and pace.
With the squad now set for its warm weather preparations, the Lions’ management will be keenly monitoring player fitness and readiness. Training in Portugal represents a crucial phase before their itinerary intensifies, with the ultimate aim of conquering Australia and doing the famous red jersey proud. The coming days will reveal just how well this group can adapt and rally after early setbacks—traits often associated with successful Lions squads of the past.