Jamie Osborne Joins Lions Squad as Kinghorn's Backup Amid Injury Concerns

Jamie Osborne steps in as backup for Blair Kinghorn in the British and Irish Lions squad, ensuring depth in the full-back position ahead of crucial matches.

Jamie Osborne

Jamie Osborne has been called up to the British and Irish Lions squad as cover for Blair Kinghorn, who is recovering from a knee injury sustained during the recent match against the ACT Brumbies. Despite positive news from Kinghorn's scan, the Lions are taking no chances with their full-back resources.

Kinghorn's injury has stretched the team's options, especially with Hugo Keenan also limited by illness and injury. Osborne, who has been training with Ireland in Portugal, will join the Lions camp on Saturday. The 23-year-old, who primarily plays in midfield, has eight Test caps, including a start at full-back against South Africa last summer.

Andy Farrell, the Lions' head coach, has shown confidence in Osborne's versatility. While Kinghorn's return to training is being managed carefully, the Lions have other options like Marcus Smith, Tommy Freeman, Mack Hansen, and Huw Jones to cover the full-back position if needed.

The Lions are set to play their final pre-series tour game against an Australia/New Zealand invitational side on Saturday, followed by the first Test against the Wallabies on 19 July. Kinghorn's delayed arrival on tour, due to Toulouse's progress to the Top 14 final, has added to the team's challenges.

Farrell also considered other players like Tom Jordan and Blair Murray as potential covers for Kinghorn. However, Osborne's recent form and experience made him the preferred choice. The Lions' medical team is closely monitoring Kinghorn's recovery to ensure he is fit for the upcoming Tests.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Lions' tour and their preparations for the crucial matches ahead.

What to Read Next

From Zeeland to New Zealand: Fabian Holland's Rugby Dream Comes True
Rugby

From Zeeland to New Zealand: Fabian Holland's Rugby Dream Comes True

Dutch-born Fabian Holland makes his All Blacks debut against France, marking a remarkable journey from the Netherlands to New Zealand.

Steve Tandy's Ambitious Blueprint for Reviving Welsh Rugby
Rugby

Steve Tandy's Ambitious Blueprint for Reviving Welsh Rugby

Explore Steve Tandy's strategic initiatives to rejuvenate Welsh Rugby amidst challenges, focusing on team restructuring and upcoming international fixtures.

Unstoppable England: Dominating the Road to the 2025 Rugby World Cup
Rugby

Unstoppable England: Dominating the Road to the 2025 Rugby World Cup

England's Red Roses continue their unbeaten streak, showcasing dominance in their final warm-up match before the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

Top Performers at the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup: Leading Try-Scorers and Rising Stars
Rugby

Top Performers at the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup: Leading Try-Scorers and Rising Stars

Explore the standout players and rising stars of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, featuring top try-scorers and their remarkable performances.

Tom Lynagh to Lead Australia Against British and Irish Lions in Historic First Test
Rugby

Tom Lynagh to Lead Australia Against British and Irish Lions in Historic First Test

Tom Lynagh, son of Wallaby legend Michael Lynagh, is set to start for Australia in the first Test against the British and Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium.

Ireland's Rugby World Cup Journey: Building Momentum After Opening Victory
Rugby

Ireland's Rugby World Cup Journey: Building Momentum After Opening Victory

Ireland's strong start in the Women's Rugby World Cup highlights their potential, with key players shining and areas for improvement identified ahead of their match against Spain.

Tom Curry's Stellar Performance Leads British & Irish Lions to Victory Over Wallabies
Rugby

Tom Curry's Stellar Performance Leads British & Irish Lions to Victory Over Wallabies

Tom Curry's world-class performance propelled the British & Irish Lions to a 27-19 victory over the Wallabies in Brisbane.

Welsh Rugby Faces Uncertainty: Players and Coaches Speak Out on Future Challenges
Rugby

Welsh Rugby Faces Uncertainty: Players and Coaches Speak Out on Future Challenges

Explore the impact of uncertainty in Welsh rugby as players and coaches voice concerns over the future of the sport amidst proposed restructuring.

James Lowe Responds to Stadium Announcer's Trolling with Stellar Performance
Rugby

James Lowe Responds to Stadium Announcer's Trolling with Stellar Performance

James Lowe of the British and Irish Lions responds to a stadium announcer's trolling with a standout performance in their victory over Western Force.

The Evolution and Significance of the Women's Rugby World Cup Trophy
Rugby

The Evolution and Significance of the Women's Rugby World Cup Trophy

Explore the design, history, and significance of the new Women's Rugby World Cup trophy, crafted to embody the spirit of rugby and its global reach.

Brazil's Rugby Revolution: From Favela Streets to World Cup Glory
Rugby

Brazil's Rugby Revolution: From Favela Streets to World Cup Glory

Discover how Brazil's women's rugby team overcame adversity to make their historic debut at the Rugby World Cup, led by inspirational figures like Raquel Kochhann.

Exeter's Rising Stars Shine in Pre-Season Victory Over Ospreys
Rugby

Exeter's Rising Stars Shine in Pre-Season Victory Over Ospreys

Exeter's young backs impress in a 38-26 pre-season win over Ospreys, showcasing their potential for the upcoming season.

Mastering Rugby Union: Key Terms, Rules, and Strategies Explained
Rugby

Mastering Rugby Union: Key Terms, Rules, and Strategies Explained

Discover the essential terms, rules, and strategies of Rugby Union, from scoring to positions and game restarts, in this comprehensive guide.

Dan Sheehan Faces Four-Match Ban for Reckless Play in Lions vs. Australia Test
Rugby

Dan Sheehan Faces Four-Match Ban for Reckless Play in Lions vs. Australia Test

Dan Sheehan receives a four-match ban for a reckless clearout in the Lions' final Test against Australia, impacting upcoming matches.

Countdown to Glory: The 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup Preview
Rugby

Countdown to Glory: The 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup Preview

Get ready for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup with a comprehensive preview of the teams, key players, and what to expect in this thrilling tournament.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.