Murray Kinsella reports from Wellington
ROBBIE HENSHAW AND George North have both been ruled out of the remainder of the Lions’ tour of New Zealand.
The Ireland centre injured a pectoral muscle during Tuesday night’s 31-31 draw with the Hurricanes, while North suffered a hamstring tear in the same game.
Henshaw is now set for surgery in Ireland on Monday and his injury makes him a doubt for the start of next season with Leinster.
Both players will return home following Saturday’s second Test against the All Blacks.
“It’s unfortunate with Robbie with that pectoral muscle which has put him out,” said Warren Gatland in Wellington today. “He is heading back to Ireland and has an operation on Monday.
“George with the hamstring, it’s unfortunate for him and his tour is over as well. We have been very lucky that we haven’t had too many injuries so far. It’s been unfortunate for those two players who have picked up injuries this week. They have been great for the squad on tour and we wish them both speedy recovery.”
Henshaw started all four midweek games for the Lions on the tour of New Zealand but he will leave frustrated not to have had an opportunity in the Saturday team, while North had a similarly disappointing trip as he made three starts but couldn’t show his best form.
The Lions name their team to face the All Blacks in the second Test at 1.30am Irish time on Thursday.