Bealham Steps In for Injured Fagerson in Lions' Australia Tour

Scotland's Zander Fagerson is out of the Lions' tour due to injury, with Ireland's Finlay Bealham stepping in. Details on the squad and upcoming matches.

Scotland prop Zander Fagerson has been ruled out of the British and Irish Lions' tour to Australia due to a calf injury. Finlay Bealham from Ireland has been named as his replacement. Fagerson's club, Glasgow Warriors, confirmed the news on X, expressing their support: "We're all behind you, Z - we know you'll come back even stronger."

Fagerson, 29, last played for Glasgow in early April and missed the United Rugby Championship play-off semi-final against Leinster in Dublin. With over 70 caps for Scotland, he was part of the Lions' 2021 tour to South Africa.

Bealham, 33, born in Australia and qualified for Ireland through his grandmother, moved to Ireland in 2010. He made his international debut in 2016 and has been a consistent performer for Connacht. With Tadhg Furlong injured, Bealham started every game in Ireland's 2025 Six Nations campaign, earning his 50th cap.

The Lions, under coach Andy Farrell, will face Australia in three Tests on 19 July, 26 July, and 2 August, along with seven other matches. The squad includes Jamie George from Saracens and Asher Opoku-Fordjour from Sale Sharks, who will train in Portugal.

This tour marks a significant opportunity for Bealham to showcase his skills on an international stage, while Fagerson's absence is a setback for the Lions and Scottish rugby.

Key Fixtures

  • 19 July: First Test vs Australia
  • 26 July: Second Test vs Australia
  • 2 August: Third Test vs Australia

Squad Highlights

  • Jamie George: Veteran hooker with three Lions caps
  • Asher Opoku-Fordjour: Young talent from Sale Sharks

For more updates, follow the British and Irish Lions on their official channels.

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