British Irish Lions Call Up 14 Leinster Players Ahead Australia Test

Tom Clarkson has been called up to the British & Irish Lions squad as additional front-row cover ahead of their first Test against Australia, increasing the number of Leinster players in the squad to 14. Clarkson, a 25-year-old tighthead prop with eight international caps, recently scored a try in Ireland's record-breaking 106-7 win over Portugal. Although none of the Lions' original tighthead props are injured, Clarkson's inclusion provides valuable depth, especially with important fixtures coming up. The squad also saw the recent addition of hooker Jamie George as cover for the injured Luke Cowan-Dickie, while centre Garry Ringrose is sidelined due to concussion. Clarkson is well known to head coach Andy Farrell, who gave him his Ireland debut, and has been a regular starter for Leinster during Tadhg Furlong’s injury-hit season. His call-up highlights Leinster's significant contribution to the Lions tour and the strategic bolstering of the front-row options ahead of the series opener.