Lions land in Australia with fitness concerns over Gibson-Park and Keenan

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"British & Irish Lions Arrive in Australia Amid Injury Concerns for Gibson-Park and Keenan"

Lions land in Australia with fitness concerns over Gibson-Park and Keenan analysis cover image The Guardian 8.6
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jun/22/british-and-irish-lions-australia-arrive-jamison-gibson-park-hugo-keenan-rugby-union-immanuel-feyi-waboso
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The British & Irish Lions have arrived in Australia with concerns regarding the fitness of two key players, Jamison Gibson-Park and Hugo Keenan. Head coach Andy Farrell disclosed that Gibson-Park is dealing with a glute issue, while Keenan is facing calf problems. The squad landed in Perth after a lengthy 20-hour journey from Dublin via Doha, ahead of their opening match against Western Force scheduled for Saturday at Optus Stadium. Farrell expressed uncertainty about the availability of Gibson-Park and Keenan, stating that their participation would depend on how they recover midweek. In more positive news, Huw Jones, who had been sidelined with an Achilles injury, has returned to full training and will be available for selection.

Farrell indicated that the team for the match against Western Force will primarily consist of players from Leinster, Bath, and Leicester, who recently joined the Lions following the conclusion of the United Rugby Championship and Premiership finals. Despite a disappointing 28-24 loss to Argentina in their last match in Dublin, Farrell remains focused on the upcoming tour and the potential it holds. He emphasized the importance of building team cohesion and understanding as they prepare for the Test series. While the team will analyze their performance against Argentina, Farrell is optimistic about the journey ahead and eager to start the tour positively, stating, "It’s great to be here, this is what it’s all about. We’re here for a good time. Hopefully we can start this part of the tour off really well on Saturday." Additionally, the Lions are monitoring Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's situation after his recent red card in a match against France, which could impact his potential inclusion in the squad.

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Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jun/22/british-and-irish-lions-australia-arrive-jamison-gibson-park-hugo-keenan-rugby-union-immanuel-feyi-waboso

The British & Irish Lions have touched down in Australia with the head coach, Andy Farrell, revealing there are lingering injury concerns over Jamison Gibson-Park and Hugo Keenan.

Farrell’s squad arrived in Perth after a 20-hour journey from Dublin via Doha, before their opening fixture on Australian soil against Western Force on Saturday. There is doubt over whether the Ireland duo of Gibson-Park and Keenan will be able to take part at Optus Stadium because of glute and calf problems respectively, but the Scotland centre Huw Jones has recovered from an achilles issue and is available.

“We’ll see how they pull up in midweek,” Farrell said of Gibson-Park and Keenan. “Huw Jones is good, he’s been training. He trained fully with us last week so he’s up and running.”

Farrell confirmed that the team against Western Force will mostly be made up of players from Leinster, Bath and Leicester, who joined the Lions after the United Rugby Championship and Premiership finals last Saturday. There were no fresh injuries arising fromFriday’s 28-24 defeat by Argentinain Dublin, with Farrell keen not to dwell on the disappointing tour send-off.

“We’re here to build for what’s going to be a fantastic Test series. We want to play some good rugby along the way,” he said. “We’ll find out more about each other as we keep on going. Of course we’ll analyse what went on against Argentina and why, but that’s all part of the journey – to understand where we need to go next.

“It’s great to be here, this is what it’s all about. We’re here for a good time. Hopefully we can start this part of the tour off really well on Saturday.”

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Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s participation in England’s tour – or any potential Lions call – is in doubtafter his first-half red card against Franceon Saturday. The 22-year-old Exeter wing, who was making his first appearance since dislocating a shoulder in December, is to have his case heard by a disciplinary committee on Sunday.

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Source: The Guardian