British Irish Lions Call Up Scottish Lock Brown Amid Injury Concerns in Australia

The British and Irish Lions have called up Scottish lock Gregor Brown to join their squad in Melbourne as cover for their upcoming midweek match against the First Nations and Pasifika XV, amid concerns over Ireland lock Joe McCarthy's foot injury. McCarthy, who was replaced during the first Test victory over Australia due to plantar fasciitis, remains doubtful for the crucial second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Brown joins fellow Scots Rory Sutherland, Ewan Ashman, and Darcy Graham, all recently added to the Lions squad after completing Scotland's Pacific tour. Head coach Andy Farrell has expanded the squad to 45 players to manage player workload and ensure the Test team can prepare uninterrupted for the series-deciding match. Farrell emphasized the unity and collective focus of the squad, rejecting divisions between Test starters and midweek players, and stressed the importance of everyone contributing to the team's continued unbeaten run in Australia. Despite the injury concerns, Farrell is optimistic about some players recovering in time and is prioritizing the squad's cohesion and readiness.