Haskell called up to Lions tour squad as unluckyVunipola is ruled out

THE British and Irish Lions must head to New Zealand without one of the most destructive forwards in world rugby after England number eight Billy Vunipola withdrew from the squad through injury.

The Lions said that Saracens star Vunipola had been managing an ongoing shoulder injury which now requires further medical treatment.

He will be replaced in the squad by his 32-year-old England back-row colleague James Haskell, who is set to link up with the 41-man playing party next Sunday.

Flanker Haskell, who has won 75 caps, is set to be involved for Wasps in the Aviva Premiership final against Exeter at Twickenham 24 hours earlier.

Vunipola (pictured) was likely to have been an integral part of the Lions’ Test series victory bid.

He delivered a magnificent display when Saracens retained the European Champions Cup by beating French heavyweights Clermont Auvergne eight days ago, and also shone in defeat on Saturday as Exeter knocked Vunipola and company out of Aviva Premiership title contention.

The 24-year-old was viewed as a major player in Lions head coach Warren Gatland’s squad, although Gatland still has the world-class ability of Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau at his disposal.

But the Lions must now push on without Vunipola after they assembled in Ireland on Sunday night for the second of two pre-tour training camps. Vunipola, 24, is the second player to pull out following Gatland’s squad announcement last month. Leicester and England scrum-half Ben Youngs withdrew on compassionate grounds after learning that his sister-in-law was terminally ill. Gloucester scrum-half Greig Laidlaw was called up to replace Youngs, and now Haskell will join up with Gatland’s Lions ahead of their departure to Auckland on May 29.

Gatland said: “It is really disappointing for Billy and we know how much he was looking forward to joining the squad.

“He has been carrying an injury and feels he wouldn’t be able to contribute fully to the tour and needs further medical treatment.

“We really appreciate his honesty in making this decision and wish him luck with his recovery.

“We have called up James to the squad. We wish him all the best next weekend and look forward to welcoming him into camp before we depart.”