The 24-year-old Wales flanker has what the Lions have described as “a significant tear” in his left hamstring
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In a huge blow for the British and Irish Lions, skipper Sam Warburton has been ruled out of Saturday’s Test series decider against Australia in Sydney. The 24-year-old Wales flanker has what the Lions have described as “a significant tear” in his left hamstring, which he picked up during the second Test defeat in Melbourne two days ago.
Ireland centre Brian O’Driscoll is expected to take over as captain, though Warburton will remain with the squad for the final match. He said: “It is incredibly disappointing to be ruled out of the tour through injury as we head to Sydney for the deciding match.
“I wish the team all the best and hope I can play some part in the build-up this week.
“I am confident that the boys can finish the job off and secure the series win.”
Warburton’s absence means both teams could be without their skippers for the biggest rugby match played in Australia since England won the 2003 World Cup final.
Wallaby captain James Horwill faces a fresh hearing today having initially been cleared of stamping on the face of Lions lock Alun-Wyn Jones.
Meanwhile Jamie Roberts and Alex Corbisiero will be put through their paces with a view to being made available for the Lions for Saturday’s winner-takes-all third Test in Sydney. Scrum-half Mike Phillips is also set for a recall following an injection which the Lions confirmed yesterday had settled down his problem knee.
All three missed the tourists’ narrow defeat by the Wallabies over the weekend, in which Warburton was heroic before being forced off with a pulled hamstring. In his absence, the Lions failed to hold on to their lead and now need all the help they can get to avoid losing a fourth successive Test series.
Help is at hand, however, as coach Andy Farrell revealed: “Alex and Jamie will go hard on Monday and hopefully be right for full training on Wednesday.
“Mike is fine. He needed an inflammation injection in his knee, that’s all. He’s reacted very well to that. He’s ready to go.”