Twelvetrees handed Lions call-up

Billy Twelvetrees has been called up by the British and Irish Lions from England’s tour of Argentina to provide back line cover.

The 24-year-old, who can play at centre and fly-half, will leave Buenos Aires for Australia today.

The Lions have injury concerns over fly-halves Owen Farrell (dead leg) and Jonathan Sexton (hamstring), while centre Manu Tuilagi suffered a stinger in the victory over Queensland Reds.

Twelvetrees won his fifth England cap in last Saturday’s 32-3 victory over the Pumas in Salta, scoring a try to cap an impressive individual performance.

The Gloucester player will be the fourth player to be called up by the Lions following the late arrivals on tour of loosehead props Alex Corbisiero and Ryan Grant and the Ireland wing Simon Zebo.