McGeechan brings D'Arcy into squad

LIONS COACH Ian McGeechan has called up Ireland’s Gordon D’Arcy to join the squad following a number of injury issues. D’Arcy will join the touring party today in Bloemfontein after rerouting from San Francisco where he was due to holiday, via New York and then Johannesburg.

The 29-year-old centre played for the Barbarians against England last Saturday at Twickenham, scoring a try. The decision to summon him to South Africa centres on a number of injury concerns, principally England’s Riki Flutey but also knocks sustained by Irish duo Keith Earls and Luke Fitzgerald. The latter has yet to play because of a mild knee strain and a chest infection.

His arrival and that of Leith Halfpenny will boost the Lions squad playing personnel to 38.

McGeechan explained: “Gordon has been called up due to the fact that we have had a few injury concerns in the backs. While the injuries are being treated by the medical team we felt it prudent that we call up Gordon to provide us with extra cover in midfield.

“Due to the short nature of this tour we have to be prepared for every eventuality. An extra back at this stage will provide the extra depth to cover the existing injuries plus any further injuries we may encounter.”

D’Arcy, who was a member of the 2005 Lions tour to New Zealand, boosts the Irish representation to 12. He will not be considered for Saturday’s game against the Cheetahs but could debut against the Sharks in Durban.