Stuart Hogg will miss the rest of the British and Irish Lions tour due to the cheek injury he suffered in the 12-3 win over the Crusaders.
The Lions have announced full-back Hogg will return home to Scotland for further treatment on a “facial bone fracture”.
Hogg collided unwittingly with Conor Murray’s elbow as the Ireland scrum-half sought to let the Glasgow star launch a counter-attack in the first half of the Crusaders clash.
.@StuartWHOGG_ ruled out of the rest of #LionsNZ2017 due to injury. Wishing him all the best in recovery.
More: https://t.co/33DQrx15MV pic.twitter.com/toOJWPQeJK
— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 13, 2017
The Lions have not called up a replacement at this stage, and defence coach Andy Farrell yesterday suggested the tourists already have enough options to offset Hogg’s absence.
“It is hugely disappointing for Stuart to have to return home early and for us to lose one of our touring party,” said Lions head coach Warren Gatland.
“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.
“We all wish him the best with his recovery and we look forward to seeing him back in action in the future.”
Great to get the win tonight against a tough Crusaders side. Gutsy performance from the boys. That’s my modelling career over… #AllForOne
— Stuart W Hogg (@StuartWHOGG_) June 10, 2017
Hogg would have been one of the main backline talents boss Gatland could have expected to deliver the X-factor attacking play he has been seeking in New Zealand.
Ireland’s versatile backline operator Jared Payne will wear the 15 shirt against the Highlanders on Tuesday, while Leigh Halfpenny ought to be favourite to start at full-back for the Test series.
England’s Elliot Daly and Wales’ Liam Williams can also operate at full-back, while speed king Anthony Watson showed up well in the role against the Crusaders after Hogg’s injury.
???? PERFECT! ????
The Forsyth Barr Stadium is all set for matchday four of #LionsNZ2017!
Follow #HIGvBIL LIVE ???? https://t.co/wzvECDKrul pic.twitter.com/66mL6GB2BN
— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 13, 2017
Hogg offered a good luck message to the Lions squad as he prepared to fly home.
“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 and 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.”