Garry Ringrose Misses First Lions Test Due to Concussion
Center Garry Ringrose has been ruled out of the first test for the British and Irish Lions against Australia due to a concussion, according to coach Andy Farrell.
Farrell made the announcement after the Lions’ 48-0 victory over an invitational team from Australia and New Zealand in Adelaide on Saturday, their last match before the first test in Brisbane.
Ringrose suffered the injury in the match against the ACT Brumbies on Wednesday, but did not show symptoms immediately.
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“Garry, unfortunately, had a delayed reaction. He had headaches for a day and continued the next day,” Farrell said in his post-match press conference.
“So he went through the concussion protocols and didn’t pass them. Unfortunately for Garry and for us, he’ll be out for 12 days, so he’ll miss the first Test, but he’ll be back for the midweek game after the first Test.”The absence of Ringrose will only increase the intrigue surrounding the midfield combination for the first test. The Scottish pair Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu are an option, while Owen Farrell entered the first match of the tour at inside center in the second half.
Bundee Aki of Ireland rested against the AUNZ team after playing alongside Ringrose last week.
Meanwhile, hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie is also in doubt for next week’s match after he was forced to leave the field with a head injury in Adelaide, although Farrell was unsure of the protocols for him.
