Hayes called up to replace Murray

IRELAND’s yo-yo Lions tour took another twist last night when Munster prop John Hayes climaxed a season to remember with a call-up to the squad in South Africa.

Grand Slam winner Hayes replaces Scotland tight-head Euan Murray, who suffered a tour-ending ankle injury during the victory over Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday.

Hayes toured with the 2005 Lions to New Zealand, playing in four provincial matches.

The Bruff man will link up with the squad in Durban this weekend and will be in the frame to start next Tuesday’s final midweek tour game against the Emerging Springboks in Cape Town.

Lions head coach Ian McGeechan said: “John (Hayes) is an experienced international front-row forward. He was an integral part of the Irish Grand Slam win this year.”