Another blow for Lions as Shanklin ruled out

WALES centre Tom Shanklin has been ruled out for 16 weeks by his club – ending his hopes of touring South Africa with the British and Irish Lions.

The 29-year-old dislocated his right shoulder in Cardiff Blues’ Magners League victory over Newport Gwent Dragons on Wednesday night and was immediately taken to hospital for an X-ray. A further scan yesterday revealed the need for surgery on the joint, and with the Lions heading for Africa in just 17 days, Shanklin’s hopes of facing the Springboks are over.

The powerful midfielder walked gingerly off the Arms Park pitch with his right arm wrapped in his shirt late on in Cardiff’s 26-12 victory. Shanklin, who had earlier scored a try, appeared to pop the joint as he crashed to the floor in contact.

He had been pencilled in for a possible place in the Lions Test side, when his physical presence would have been a potentially vital asset.

His absence could now open the door for international team-mate Gavin Henson, although his chances are hampered by a lack of recent action.

Shanklin’s heartbreak presents another major poser for Lions head coach Ian McGeechan, who has had his fair share of troubles since announcing a 37-man tour squad last month.

Munster and Ireland scrum-half Tomás O’Leary was ruled out of the 10-match trip just three days after being selected for it due to a broken ankle suffered on Magners League duty.

McGeechan and his coaching staff have yet to choose a replacement, although a decision is likely after this weekend’s Guinness Premiership play-offs, with England’s Danny Care among the leading candidates.

And Munster flanker Alan Quinlan could be another casualty. Quinlan was cited for allegedly making contact with the eyes or eye area of Leinster skipper Leo Cullen during last Saturday’s Heineken Cup semi-final in Dublin.

England flanker Tom Croft and Wales captain Ryan Jones would be among the contenders to replace him.

Meanwhile, South Africa and Italy confirmed yesterday they will rival England for the right to the host the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Japan are expected to rubber-stamp their bid today and all four competing unions will travel to Dublin on May 13 to present their cases to the International Rugby Board.

A decision on the host unions for both events will be confirmed by the IRB on July 28.

Elsewhere Scotland winger Sean Lamont has left Northampton and signed for the Scarlets on a three-year contract, while England Sevens captain Ollie Phillips has quit Newcastle for a move to Stade Francais.