John Hayes has been drafted into the British & Irish Lions squad following the withdrawal of Euan Murray.

Scotland prop Murray suffered a sprained ankle in Tuesday’s clash with Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth and it was confirmed on Thursday that his tour was over.

As a result, Lions boss Ian McGeechan has decided to call upon the services of veteran Ireland prop Hayes.

"John Hayes has been called up to replace Euan Murray, who sustained an ankle injury in the match against the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth," the Scot commented.

”The medical team have now fully assessed his injury and have determined that the injury is serious enough to mean he will play no further part on the tour.

"Euan left the field because of the injury and has damaged the structures around the ankle joint. He is subject to further assessment, treatment and specialist opinion but may require surgical repair. John Hayes will be a straight swap for Euan in the squad.

"John Hayes is an experienced international front row forward who has played 94 times for his country. He was an integral part of the Irish Grand Slam win this year. He also played four provincial matches on the 2005 tour to New Zealand and won a Lions Test cap against Argentina prior to the tour."

Hayes will join up with the rest of the squad in Durban this weekend.