Flannery out of Lions Tour

Jerry Flannery has been ruled out of the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa after suffering a chipped bone in his left elbow, the team management confirmed tonight.

In the latest injury blow to the Lions, the combative Ireland hooker suffered the injury during training this afternoon.

A scan revealed the extent of the damage and Flannery requires surgery that will prevent him from departing for South Africa with the rest of the squad on Sunday.

The Lions management have yet to name a replacement but must choose between Ireland's Rory Best and Ross Ford of Scotland, who are on the standby list for the position.

Set-piece specialist Best, who has markedly improved his all-round game in recent seasons, was a contender to make the initial 37-strong squad despite his position behind Flannery in Ireland’s pecking order.

The Ulster skipper is currently leading Ireland’s tour to Canada and the United States and had been included in the starting line-up for Saturday’s Test against the Canucks.

Ford was another front-rower in contention to make the original party and the abrasive 25-year-old was considered unlucky to miss out.