Blow for British & Irish Lions as fullback Stuart Hogg ruled out for whole tour with face fracture
Scot is forced out of the tour of New Zealand after tests show he suffered a bone fracture in his face
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Scottish fullback Stuart Hogg was forced out of the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand on Tuesday after tests showed he had suffered a bone fracture in his face.
Hogg went off clutching his cheek in the first half of the Lions’ win over the Canterbury Crusaders on Saturday after colliding with teammate Conor Murray’s elbow.
“I’m disappointed to be leaving in this way but wish all the squad the best in the coming weeks and will be cheering them on from home,” he said in a statement.
Coach Warren Gatland said Hogg’s departure was “hugely disappointing”.
“Stuart has been a key member of our squad on and off the field and it is disappointing to see injury cut short his time with us in New Zealand,” he said.
No replacement will be called-up, reducing the touring party to 40 players.
They face the Otago Highlanders in Dunedin later on Tuesday.
