Halfpenny out of Lions tour

Wales wing Leigh Halfpenny has been ruled out of the British and Irish Lions’ South Africa tour.

It is the Lions’ second major injury blow in less than 24 hours after Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris suffered a tour-ending knee injury.

Cardiff Blues prospect Halfpenny, at 20 the squad’s youngest player, is set to return home later this week.

He sustained a thigh muscle injury in training on Monday, and now requires three to four weeks of rehabilitation.

The Lions have decided not to replace him as head coach Ian McGeechan feels he has enough existing cover in the squad.