01-07-2025
Andy Farrell left ‘shocked' after star ruled out of ENTIRE British & Irish Lions tour through injury
ANDY Farrell admits Tomos Williams will be a major loss for the Lions after he was forced off the tour with a significant hamstring injury.
Williams, one of only two Wales players picked, went home yesterday after Farrell revealed the damage incurred while scoring the second of his two tries
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The 50-year-old had to look for back-up to replace his injured scrum-half
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Williams was one of the stand-out performers in the opening matches
Ben White has been called up from the Scotland squad that is currently in New Zealand to fill the vacancy and arrived into camp last night.
He will be joined by Blair Kinghorn, who is now available after helping Toulouse win the Top 14 final.
For Williams, it is a case of what might have been, as the reigning Gallagher Premiership Player of the Year had been outstanding in his two appearances on tour.
His form placed him firmly in contention for a Test place against the Wallabies.
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Farrell said: 'It's shocking news for us all. We're not just going to miss an outstanding player — he played unbelievably well and it was some try that he was actually injured by.
'We're also going to miss the bloke. We have only been together for a few weeks but his character is everything you want to have in your group on a Lions tour.
"He's very popular and that makes it a little bit tougher.
'Ben will be devastated for Tomos, like we all are. But at the same time, he's super excited.
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'He obviously had ambition to get into the squad — as did many others who didn't get selected - so now he gets his chance.'
Williams' club Gloucester posted online: 'Gutted for you, Tomos.'
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The Welshman's withdrawal is offset by Ireland No 9
Full-back
Lions captain
The Reds match begins a hectic spell of four games in 11 days leading into the first Test against the Wallabies, also in Brisbane, on July 19.
Farrell added: 'Here we go now. This is proper touring. Games are coming thick and fast, so this is the exciting part of the tour for us.
'We've been outlining to the lads what the weeks are going to look like — not much training, actually, just out there on the field and plenty of mental preparation.
'But if you ask any player, what would they rather do? Would they rather be involved in big games, playing for the Lions, or training every day?
'I know which I'd rather do. We see it as a great opportunity for ourselves to be fast-tracking our ambition, our potential as a team.'
