Lions Coach Andy Farrell Calls Up Scotland Trio for Tour Match

British & Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell has announced the inclusion of three Scottish players—Rory Sutherland, Ewan Ashman, and Darcy Graham—to his squad as injury replacements for the upcoming match against the First Nations & Pasifika XV. This decision comes as the Lions prepare for their tour match scheduled for July 22, 2023, at Docklands Stadium in Melbourne.

The trio has been withdrawn from Scotland’s squad, which is currently in New Zealand for a test match against Samoa. Darcy Graham, who has drawn some attention for receiving two yellow cards during a recent match, will join the Lions later today. His absence contributed to Scotland finishing the game with a man down, resulting in a 29-14 loss to Fiji in Suva.

Both Rory Sutherland, who has experience from the previous Lions tour in South Africa, and Ewan Ashman from Edinburgh, will arrive in Melbourne on Sunday. Their experience is expected to bolster the Lions’ preparations ahead of their series opener against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday.

First Nations-Pasifika XV Squad Features Star Players

The First Nations & Pasifika XV squad, coached by former Australian player Kurtley Beale, has also been announced. The team includes notable players such as Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, and Pete Samu. The 27-man squad comprises 20 players with Pacific Island heritage and five Indigenous Australians, highlighting a rich diversity in representation.

In a further move to address injuries, Jamie George, an England hooker, was called into the Lions squad following a head injury sustained by Luke Cowan-Dickie during a recent match against an invitational Australia-New Zealand XV, where the Lions secured a commanding 48-0 victory. Additionally, Tom Clarkson, a tighthead prop from Ireland, has also been included in the squad to provide further support in the front row.

As the Lions prepare for this significant tour, the inclusion of experienced players from Scotland and the strategic adjustments made by Farrell reflect the team’s commitment to fielding a competitive lineup. The upcoming match against the First Nations & Pasifika XV promises to be an exciting encounter, showcasing the best of international rugby talent.