Gatland sorry for O’Connell

Injured Paul O’Connell is to stay on in Australia in a bid to help the British & Irish Lions win their first Test series since 1997.

The three-time tourist and 2009 captain saw his tour come to a premature end last Saturday when he fractured an arm during the first-Test victory over the Wallabies in Brisbane.

Yet the 33-year-old Munster and Ireland lock’s seniority, experience and gravitas in the game is seen as vital to the Lions’ cause, head coach Warren Gatland suggested following a 35-0 tour win over the Melbourne Rebels.