Rowntree bemoans ‘immense’ loss of Flannery

FORMER English and Lions prop Graham Rowntree yesterday spoke of the ‘immense’ loss of injured Irish hooker Jerry Flannery to the Lions tour of South Africa.

“Jerry was a stand-out candidate for the Lions over a long period; he’s a great player and, yes, it was a huge blow, but still I’m more than happy with the performance of the guys here now.

“Lee Mears, Matthew Rees and Ross Ford have stepped up to the mark; I am happy with each of the three players; they haven’t held back but that’s nothing less than expected because they’re all quality people. At the end of the day, it’s not a great concern.”