Lions Call Up Gregor Brown as Injury Cover for Joe McCarthy Amidfoot Concerns

The British & Irish Lions are facing significant injury challenges ahead of their second Test against Australia, with lock Joe McCarthy's foot injury casting doubt on his availability. In response, coach Andy Farrell has called up Scotland's Gregor Brown as cover, expanding the squad to 45 players—matching one of the largest groups in Lions history. McCarthy's injury, involving the plantar fascia, requires rest and puts his participation in the upcoming match in jeopardy, while the Lions aim to protect key players like Ollie Chessum for the Test side. Meanwhile, Scottish winger Darcy Graham suffered an ankle injury after scoring a try and is awaiting scans, and fly-half Fin Smith is cleared following a head injury assessment. Farrell remains hopeful that backs Garry Ringrose, Mack Hansen, and Blair Kinghorn will recover in time for selection. The Lions narrowly won their match against the First Nations & Pasifika XV, but several players underperformed, leaving their Test chances uncertain.