Four members of British & Irish Lions touring party forced to self-isolate in Johannesburg and will miss next two games
THE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS will be without four of their squad for their upcoming test against the Cell C Sharks due to those members needing to self-isolate.
One staff member, who tested positive for COVID-19, will have to remain in Johannesburg until after Sunday, July 18.
The individual will be prohibited from meeting up with the team until after Thursday, July 15, missing two games in the process, while the same can be said of the three other members of staff.
Lions head coach, Warren Gatland, said: “It’s obviously been a slightly turbulent week, but we remain determined to keep rolling with the punches.
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“In many ways, the challenges we’ve faced this week have strengthened our resolve to do everything we can to overcome the challenges created by covid.
“The feeling in the camp on Wednesday night was just to give it a crack.
"I was really proud by how everyone reacted, particularly the match day squad who would have never prepared for a game like that before.
“Saturday is another opportunity to see how the boys go and for us as coaches to try out a few more combinations ahead of the Test series."
Tadhg Beirn, Tadhg Furlong, and Jack Conan will all start against the Sharks on Saturday afternoon, with team captain Conor Murray on the bench.
Jamie George will skipper the side, with Gatland lauding the Englishman.
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He said: “I have long been an admirer of Jamie’s leadership skills, so I am delighted to name him skipper.
“We want to pass on thanks to the Sharks boys for fronting up and going again on Saturday.
"That’s the spirit of rugby, and a great chance for them to have another shot at us.”