Jones ruled out of Lions tour
Ryan Jones ruled out of British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa
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Friday, 12, Jun 2009 10:28
Wales captain Ryan Jones has been ruled out of the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa for medical reasons, it has been announced.
Jones flew out to join the rest of the squad in Cape Town on Thursday after being called up as a replacement player following an injury to Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris.
However, after being examined by the team's medical staff it has been determined that he needs at least three weeks off because of a concussion and has consequently been sent home today.
In a statement, tour manager Gerald Davies said: "Ryan Jones joined the team in Cape Town on Thursday as a replacement player but a series of medical examinations highlighted the fact that the player was not currently fit to play on the tour.
"Ryan Jones underwent the same routine medical testing as all replacement players joining the tour and it led to the team's medical staff requesting a further examination by an independent neurosurgeon.
"This was due to a concern over the players' recent medical history that included two significant knocks to the head while playing for Wales during the recent tour to North America.
"On the advice of the neurosurgeon it was determined that it was not safe for Ryan Jones to undertake any physical contact for a mandatory three weeks. This is in line with IRB regulation 10.1 on concussion."
Jones departure is the latest injury blow to the Lions, who have so far had a number of players ruled out through injury.
In addition to Ferris, scrum-half Tomas O'Leary and winger Leigh Halfpenny both suffered what turned out to be tour-ending injuries before leaving for South Africa.
Concerns over the fitness of centres Keith Earls and Riki Flutey also led to late call-ups for Ireland midfielder Gordon D'Arcy and Wales fly-half James Hook.
However, the statement regarding Jones added: "Head coach Ian McGeechan has stated that at this stage no further replacement player will be required."
The next tour match for the Lions, who are unbeaten in their four matches so far, is against the Western Province in Cape Town tomorrow afternoon.