Terrible news emerging down under as Paul O'Connell is reportedly on the verge of being ruled out of the rest of the Lions tour after suffering a fracture in his hand during the Lions win over Australia yesterday. Several national journalists touring with the Lions down under initially reported O'Connell was set to depart the tour.
Lions sting in tale-iconic lock Paul O'Connell prepares to leave tour with fracture. Bad news about a key leader. Sad end to Lion career.
— Stephen Jones (@stephenjones9) June 23, 2013
Paul O'Connell off the Lions tour with a broken hand. Replacement about to be announced. #Lions #Ireland
— Brendan gallagher (@gallagherbren) June 23, 2013
Sickener for Paul O'Connell, heading home after breaking a bone in hand towards the end of yesterday's test. Horwill judgement expected soon
— Peter O'Reilly (@petersuntimes) June 23, 2013
These initial reports were quickly changed however as news emerged from the Lions camp that O'Connell's injury was to be assessed and the lock was not yet ruled out of the tour. More is expected to emerge in the coming 24 hours. O'Connell was pictured with his arm in a sling this morning.
Paul O'Connell's arm/hand being "monitored" Giving the big man every chance #lions
— Brendan gallagher (@gallagherbren) June 23, 2013
Sorry, O'Connell has yet to be ruled out...it's now an 'arm injury'
— Peter O'Reilly (@petersuntimes) June 23, 2013
