Rugby-Vunipola out of Lions tour of New Zealand, Haskell in

By Reuters | May 22, 2017, 01.45 AM IST

LONDON, May 21 (Reuters) - England back row Billy Vunipola has withdrawn from the forthcoming British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand with a shoulder injury, the Lions announced on Sunday.

England's James Haskell will join the squad next Sunday following Wasps' appearance in the Premiership final.

"It is really disappointing for Billy and we know how much he was looking forward to joining the squad," Lions head coach Warren Gatland said.

"He has been carrying an injury and feels he wouldn't be able to contribute fully to the tour and needs further medical treatment.

"We really appreciate his honesty in making this decision and wish him luck with his recovery.

"We have called up James to the squad, we wish him all the best next weekend and look forward to welcoming him into camp before we depart."

The Lions start their 10-match tour against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians in Whangarei on June 3 and play the All Blacks in the first of three tests on June 24. (Reporting by Steve Tongue; Editing by Clare Fallon)

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