Scotland hooker Ross Ford is in contention for a call up to the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa after Ireland’s Jerry Flannery was ruled out through injury.
Flannery tore ligaments in his left elbow during training and will be assessed by an orthopaedic specialist today. The Lions management are expected to make an announcement regarding his replacement in short course.
Edinburgh hooker Ford is commonly held to be a strong contender on the short-list to join Ian McGeechan’s 37-man squad for their 10-match tour and if selected would bring Scotland's delegation up to a total of four.
Ford will face his toughest opposition for the role in the form of Ulster’s Rory Best, who is due to captain Ireland for the first time this week in a match against Canada.
Best has tussled with Flannery for the number two jersey in the Irish squad all season and whoever is picked will provide strong opposition for
Secondary challenges will come from the English pair of Dylan Hartley and George Chuter, but Ford and Best are believed to be the first back-up choices.
The injury to Flannery is the latest in a series of disappointments for the Munster contingent in the Lions squad after Tomas O’Leary and Alan Quinlan missed out through injury and suspension.
