Quinlan to replace Easterby

Munster flanker Alan Quinlan has been called up for Ireland’s tour of Japan following Simon Easterby’s summons by the British and Irish Lions.

Lions head coach Clive Woodward sent for Easterby after former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio fractured an ankle in the warm-up match against Bay of Plenty this morning.

As a result Easterby will now be replaced in the Ireland party by Quinlan, who earned the last of his 21 caps as a replacement against South Africa last June.

Ireland are due to play Japan in two Tests on June 12 and 19.