Paul O’Connell Ruled Out Of Test Series

British & Irish Lions lock Paul O’Connell has been ruled out of the rest of the tour after picking up an injury in the 21-23 win against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday.

O’Connell fractured his arm in a collision when Wycliff Palu dioved into a ruck and O’Connell’s arm was in the way.

England lock Geoff Parling has been withdrawn from the side to face Melbourne Rebels on Tuesday in a move that is likely to result in his inclusion in the team for the second test on Saturday.

Wales lock Ian Evans has replaced Parling in the side to face the Rebels, with Tom Croft named on the bench.  Dan Lydiate will take over the captaincy of the side.

The Lions are also monitoring the fitness of Alex Corbisiero who also damaged his calf in the win.

Ireland prop Tom Court was called up on Sunday and immediately takes his place on the bench for the match against the Melbourne Rebels on Tuesday.

The revised side to face Melbourne Rebels is:

15: Rob Kearney
14: Sean Maitland
13: Manu Tuilagi
12: Brad Barritt
11: Simon Zebo
10: Owen Farrell
9: Conor Murray
8: Toby Faletau
7: Sean O’Brien
6: Dan Lydiate  (c)
5: Ian Evans
4: Richie Gray
3: Dan Cole
2: Richard Hibbard
1: Ryan Grant

Replacements

16: Rory Best
17: Tom Court
18: Matt Stevens
19: Tom Croft
20: Justin Tipuric
21: Ben Youngs
22: Billy Twelvetrees
23: Stuart Hogg