Updated Sat 5:33 PM
LIONS BOSS WARREN Gatland has confirmed that captain Alun Wyn Jones’ tour is over after he suffered a dislocated shoulder during today’s win over Japan.
The Lions boss said a decision has not yet been reached on Jones’ replacement in the squad or as tour captain.
Gatland’s squad fly out to South Africa tomorrow, so will need to make swift decisions. Ireland’s James Ryan is among the possible call-ups. Jones will not travel with the Lions squad, instead returning home to Wales.
“The shoulder was dislocated, they got it back in pretty easily,” said Gatland of Jones. “We’ll get it scanned, but with a dislocated shoulder it’s never good news. We’ll look at getting someone in pretty quickly and on the plane tomorrow.
“He’ll be gutted, it’s very disappointing for him. But you’ve got to put that behind you and move on as quickly as you possibly can.
“We’re discussing who to call up at the moment with the coaches, but I got called away for this press conference.”
Meanwhile, openside flanker Justin Tipuric will have to go for scans on a shoulder injury after he departed in the first half too.
Gatland backed his squad to recover from the major early blow of losing Jones and potentially Tipuric.
“No one’s in shock, if you’re in shock it reflects back into the squad,” he said. “We’ve got to be fluid, react, and make decisions. If you go into a shock scenario and look like you’re panicking it will reflect badly.”
“It’s disappointing for Alun Wyn, same if Justin Tipuric is not right. We just have to make the right decisions.