Murray Kinsella report from Dunedin
SCOTLAND FULLBACK STUART Hogg has been ruled out of the rest of the Lions’ tour of New Zealand after suffering a facial bone fracture.
Lions head coach Warren Gatland will not call up a replacement player at this stage.
Hogg suffered the injury in an accidental collision with team-mate Conor Murray’s elbow in the first half of the Lions’ victory over the Crusaders on Saturday.
The Glasgow Warriors flyer, who was on his second Lions tour, will now return home to Scotland to receive further treatment.
“I’m gutted to be leaving the Tour at this stage,” said Hogg.
“It is an honour to have been involved in a second British & Irish Lions tour and I have hugely enjoyed my time with the squad and I’m very excited about the potential of this group.
I’m disappointed to be leaving in this way but wish all the squad the best in the coming weeks and will be cheering them on from home.”
Hogg, a two-time winner of the Six Nations player of the year award, made starts against the Provincial Barbarians and the Crusaders on the current tour but never got the kind of attacking opportunities on which he thrives.
“It is hugely disappointing for Stuart to have to return home early and for us to lose one of our touring party,” said Gatland after the Lions confirmed the news.
“Stuart has been a key member of our squad on and off the field and it is disappointing to see injury cut short his time with us in New Zealand.”
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