British & Irish Lions news: Ireland’s Ronan Kelleher called into squad

Ireland’s Ronan Kelleher has joined the British & Irish Lions training camp in Jersey as front row cover.

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Kelleher was not selected in the original 37-man touring party, but will take part in practice this week due to Ken Owens being the only available hooker.

Jamie George and Luke Cowan-Dickie, the other options in the position, are absent because of their end-of-season club commitments with Saracens and Exeter, respectively.

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Twenty-six players have assembled in Jersey, with tourists from Saracens and Gallagher Premiership semi-finalists Bristol, Exeter and Sale linking up with Warren Gatland’s squad over the next fortnight.

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“I’m delighted to welcome Ronan to train with the squad this week while we wait for Jamie George to complete his domestic season with Saracens next weekend,” Gatland said.

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The first match of the British & Irish Lions’ tour of South Africa – against the Johannesburg-based, Covid-19-hit Lions, is scheduled for Saturday, 3 July.

The first Test at the Cape Town Stadium will take place on Saturday, 24 July.