Lions issue Blair Kinghorn update as star to fly out to join squad immediately
Andy Farrell has added another member to his Lions squad
Blair Kinghorn limped off with a knee injury in the Lions' victory over the Brumbies
(Image: Getty Images )
Andy Farrell has called Ireland star Jamie Osborne into his British & Irish Lions squad to provide cover for the injured Blair Kinghorn.
Kinghorn suffered a bang to the knee in the opening stages of the Lions' victory over the Brumbies in Canberra on Wednesday.
The Scottish full-back attempted to play on but eventually succumbed to the injury and was replaced after 26 minutes.
Kinghorn now faces a race against time to prove his fitness ahead of the first Test against Australia next Saturday.
But the Lions have issued a statement which says they have received positive news on Kinghorn's injury following a scan on his knee. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
As a result the Lions medical staff will manage his return to training over the coming days but Farrell has seen fit to call Osborne into the squad as training cover.
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The 23-year-old Leinster star has won eight caps for his country and played in Ireland's 34-5 victory over Georgia in Tbilisi last Saturday.
Osborne is an utility back who can cover the back-three and centre which should benefit the Lions.
A short statement from the Lions read: "Blair Kinghorn received positive news following a scan on a knee injury sustained against the Brumbies in Canberra on Wednesday night.
"The Lions medical team will manage his return to training over the coming days.
"Ireland's Jamie Osborne will join the squad to provide additional training cover. "Osborne is currently with the Ireland squad in Portugal and will arrive in Brisbane on Saturday to meet up with the squad."
Osborne is an extremely talented footballer with a rounded skillset who is comfortable on the ball and in defence. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
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If Kinghorn is ruled out of the first Test experienced Ireland full-back Hugo Keenan would a certainty to start in Brisbane.
But following his positive scan results Kinghorn is likely to win his race against time to potentially line up at full-back against the Wallabies. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
Kinghorn has enjoyed a stellar season not just with Scotland but with French giants Toulouse where he played a pivotal role in helping his club win the Top 14.
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