While British & Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell has plenty of options to call on for the first Test against Australia, the injuries in the squad are piling up.

Centre Garry Ringrose has been ruled out of the first Test after being placed in concussion protocols, while hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie is also a doubt after a head knock.

Ringrose and Ireland teammate Bundee Aki were shaping as the likely midfield pair, but it now seems the Scotland duo of Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu may get the nod.

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With concern lingering over a knee injury to Scot Blair Kinghorn, Ireland’s Hugo Keenan remains the only specialist fullback in the squad, and did his chances of starting on Saturday no harm with an assured performance against the Aussie-Kiwi XV in Adelaide on Saturday.

Who wears the No 7 shirt is another conundrum for Farrell, with Jac Morgan of Wales, England’s Tom Curry and Ireland’s Josh van der Flier all in the mix.

But Farrell isn’t too fussed about the team he’ll put out for the first Test – putting the ball firmly in the players’ court.

“The lads who get picked in the first Test, they’ll be the lucky ones to represent the group, but they’ve also got to earn the right to keep that jersey for the second Test as well,” Farrell said.

He adds, “When we get to Brisbane, we’ll have a coaches’ meeting like we always do and discuss how the week is going to unfold.”

Farrell has however called in some reinforcements in the form of England hooker Jamie George and Irish tighthead prop Thomas Clarkson for some additional cover.

A squad update from Brisbane! 🦁⬇️#Lions2025

— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 13, 2025

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