News

Jones and BOD head home

June 30 2009

Injured duo Brian O'Driscoll and Adam Jones have been forced to return home, the British and Irish Lions management have announced.

Ireland's Grand Slam captain will fly home on Wednesday, along with Wales prop Jones, missing next Saturday's third Test at Ellis Park.

O'Driscoll, skipper in New Zealand four years ago, was concussed during the agonising 28-25 second Test defeat in Pretoria three days ago.

His 2005 tour ended in the first minute of the opening Test after he was spear-tackled by All Blacks players Keven Mealamu and Tana Umaga.

The Leinster centre has been one of the Lions' stars of their ten-match South Africa trip, forging an outstanding midfield combination with Wales star Jamie Roberts.

But his absence means a possible call-up on Saturday for England centre Riki Flutey when the Lions will target a consolation victory after South Africa established an unassailable 2-0 series lead.