Lions Tour: Ulster's Howe replaces injured Luger

Ulster winger Tyrone Howe is jetting off to Australia to replace the injured Dan Luger.

Luger, one of the most lethal finishers in European rugby, fractured his cheekbone in an accidental training collision with flanker Neil Back yesterday.

Howe, 30, has won six caps for Ireland and enjoyed an impressive Heineken Cup campaign with Ulster last season.

"Tyrone Howe was one guy who our selection advisors frequently mentioned. They were hugely impressed with his work-rate, he was always on stand-by,’’ said Lions' manager Donal Lenihan.

But there is no doubt that Luger’s loss is a hammer blow for the tourists.

"Dan has suffered at least two cracks in his eye socket and will be out for six weeks,’’ added Lions’ manager Donal Lenihan.

Howe, who was in London when the Lions’ management tracked him down, is expected to arrive in Australia over the weekend.

Luger becomes the fourth Lion to leave the tour injured, following Mike Catt, Phil Greening and Simon Taylor.