UPDATE: Ireland’s Conor Murray has been named Lions skipper following Jones’ withdrawal.
Original story follows.
The British and Irish Lions lost skipper Alun Wyn Jones to injury while defeating Japan 28-10 in a warmup Test at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.
Reports after the match indicated Jones would return to Wales and would not depart for the South Africa tour with the rest of the squad on Sunday.
Jones left early in the match clutching his arm with what is suspected to be a dislocated shoulder and was unable to hold the trophy when it was presented after the match.
Justin Tipuric also picked up a shoulder injury in the clash, a warm up event ahead of the British and Irish Lions’ tour of South Africa.
The Lions won thanks to tries from Josh Adams, Duhan van der Merwe, Robbie Henshaw and Tadhg Beirne, while Kazuki Himeno scored for the Japanese with Yu Tamura adding a penalty.
Lions coach Warren Gatland said after the match that he’d told his charges not to panic with the injury to their skipper.
“No one is in shock because if you’re in shock, it reflects back into the whole squad,” he said.
“We understand we have to be able to react and make decisions. That’s the only way you get on with it.
“It’s very disappointing. He’s been around rugby long enough but he’ll be gutted. We need to call someone in, get them PCR tested and hopefully get them on the flight tomorrow.”
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
Win win selection for Gatland. Players respect him, he's beaten everyone, and knows captaincy doesn't mean selection. Gatland said months ago that even Alun Wyn wasn't guaranteed selection. Alun Wyn will be missed but BIL has captains good enough to do the job. And they have good depth in the 2nd row. Sports teams often turn events like these to their advantage.
Bill Shut
Roar Rookie
A sad loss for the Lions. A bit off the subject, but having watched the match, I will always turn the TV on to watch the Japan team. Their rugby is great to watch!!!!
Homer Gain
Guest
Oh dear. Another nail in the coffin of the Welsh and Irish Gatlands.
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
And yet, they will replace him :laughing:
HiKa
Roar Rookie
Bubbles burst unless everyone in it is super careful. Too many people in too many places letting their guard down. Being vaccinated doesn't preclude infection, but reduces severity.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
I'd like to acknowledge 'prescience'.
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
The people most likely to know that (in journalism, anyway) are the ones who are now out of a job based on the grounds that they are too old, cost too much and know too much. May as well get used to it; don't see it going away any time soon.
Harry Jones
Expert
Koch, H Jantjies, and Nkosi. Bench players can’t afford hiccups. Now they on the clock to get back into the team.
Harry Jones
Expert
Navidi is one of the best, most consistent anti-Bok loosies in the world
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
It’s level 4; does that allow the tour to go ahead?
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
That’s true but the conditions dictated that the game was never going to be much of a spectacle
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
We used to say turning our position around on the forward desk at the bank where I worked as akin to turning the Queen Mary but I like continental drift far more
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I wonder if there is something going on in the rugbies at the moment. Quins shed a controlling defensive coach and go on a run with a brilliant playmaker and a player led game principle. At the same time Freddie Fittler acknowledges he is dialing back the amount of coaching he is doing with NSW and letting his brilliant playmakers play what is in front of them. Eddie Jones can’t evolve a massive player talent pool by controlling everything on the field and Wales and Scotland have improved seasons as they free up players to make on field calls. Are the rugbies having a sliding door moment where coaches become managers and begin to build game plans based on and with their players? If it’s happening, I am happy with the outcome - there won’t be many playing groups who choose not to play a more attacking style if they get the option. And it won’t changes styles everywhere - if you don’t have a Marcus Smith or Tommy Turboes and Latrell Mitchells, you can’t simply play off the cuff; you need to plan around your best attributes and for some that will be kick and tackle. I like the possibility that there might be different playing styles.
Aussieinexile
Roar Rookie
Good luck, stay safe in Japan Mung. interesting to see how the Olympic develops overall with no international fans. I understand they are talking about reducing the number of support staff helping the athletes to a minimum.
Aussieinexile
Roar Rookie
To the ROAR: His name is Alun-Wyn is a double barrel name like Sarah Jane, Please name him correctly next time. I have been picked over the years by Welsh over the use of their first names. To matters at hand: Adam Beard and Josh Navidi called up to the Lions, I understand Beard he is coming with form and custom-built for the type of lock Gatland wants/needs. Navidi still scratching my head on that one. Ideas any one? Still no news from LCD after that Head Clash in the Premiership final. Another possible replacement.
Aussieinexile
Roar Rookie
Alun-Wyn is a double barrel first name like Sarah-Jane at least call him properly. lazy in not naming him properly.
Unders
Roar Pro
Good at defending and forming mauls. That's it
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Don't worry about the French final though. Toulouse have gone from being great entertainers who let you play, to boringly ruthless.
Mungbean74
Guest
Sorry, I meant to say..... with the infection rate so high here....especially in Tokyo where it is about 500 a day...
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
Cheers for the update! It’s a crazy world we live in. Living in Japan but not in Tokyo, and with the infection rate so high here (about 500 a day in Tokyo) it’s worrying, so expecting not good things around Japan after the 90,000 Olympians, staff and support have arrived here in July. It was always gonna be a balsy move for the Olympics and the Lions tour to go ahead safely.