Lions get off to trouble-free start in training in Johannesburg

THE British and Irish Lions have launched their tour preparations in South Africa ahead of Saturday’s opener against a Royal XV and reported a clean bill of health.

The build-up to the tour was seriously affected by a number of withdrawals, with Tomas O’Leary, Tom Shanklin and Jerry Flannery among those forced to pull out.

The Lions also lost Munster flanker Alan Quinlan through suspension, while Wales wing Leigh Halfpenny has remained in Cardiff for intensive treatment on a thigh injury with the hope he can fly to South Africa early next month.