Payne gets Lions' call

The British & Irish Lions have called England loose-head prop Tim Payne into the Lions' squad for the remainder of the tour as Andrew Sheridan is responding slowly to treatment on his sore back.

"Tim Payne has been called up to provide essential cover for the front row as Andrew Sheridan is responding slowly to treatment for a sore back following the Southern Kings match," said head coach Ian McGeechan.

"We simply can't go into this week without sufficient cover at loose head prop as we play the Emerging Springboks and the Springboks in the space of five days.

"Tim Payne will arrive match fit having played in all three of England's recent international matches against the Barbarians and Argentina. We are still hopeful that Andrew Sheridan will respond to the medical regime he is currently undergoing."