BRIAN O’DRISCOLL IS in line to lead the Lions for next Saturday’s pivotal third Test against Australia after it was confirmed that captain Sam Warburton has been ruled out of the rest of the tour due to injury.
Welsh player Warburton suffered a hamstring injury in last Saturday’s second Test defeat to Australia in Melbourne.
He is now set to miss next Saturday’s match in Sydney and with Paul O’Connell already ruled out injured, O’Driscoll is in pole position to captain the Lions.
Warburton remained in Melbourne after Saturday’s match under the supervision of Lions team doctor Eanna Falvey to undergo a full medical assessment after a scan subsequently confirmed a significant tear in his left hamstring.
Warburton, who will remain with the tour party for the 3rd Test in Sydney on Saturday, said:
“It is incredibly disappointing to be ruled out of the tour through injury as we head to Sydney for the deciding match.
“I wish the team all the best and hope I can play some part in the build up this week. I am confident that the boys can finish the job off and secure the series win.”
