British and Irish Lions Lose Ringrose for Australia First Test Amid Injury Concerns

The British and Irish Lions face significant injury setbacks ahead of their first Test against Australia, with centre Garry Ringrose ruled out after failing concussion protocols due to lingering headaches following a previous head knock. Hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie is also a major doubt after suffering a head injury during a warm-up match, and the team may call up an additional hooker, likely Jamie George, to support the squad. Scotland's Huw Jones is expected to start at outside centre in place of Ringrose, while Ireland utility back Jamie Osborne has been added as training cover. Head coach Andy Farrell emphasized the importance of concussion safety, confirming Ringrose will be sidelined for at least 12 days but anticipated to return for later matches in the series. Despite these challenges, the Lions displayed strong form in recent warm-up games, including a 48-0 win over the AUNZ Invitational XV. Farrell remains optimistic and focused on adapting the squad to maintain competitiveness in the upcoming series.