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

Carys Phillips: A Rugby Legend’s Journey to Her Fourth World Cup
Rugby

Carys Phillips: A Rugby Legend’s Journey to Her Fourth World Cup

Carys Phillips, a Welsh rugby icon, prepares for her fourth World Cup, solidifying her place among Wales' greatest players.

Abi Tierney's Vision: Revitalizing Welsh Rugby with Passion and Strategy
Rugby

Abi Tierney's Vision: Revitalizing Welsh Rugby with Passion and Strategy

Abi Tierney, WRU's first female CEO, shares her ambitious plan to elevate Welsh rugby back to the world's elite, addressing challenges and fostering sustainable growth.

Willis Halaholo to Make Tonga Debut in Pacific Nations Cup 2025
Rugby

Willis Halaholo to Make Tonga Debut in Pacific Nations Cup 2025

Former Wales centre Willis Halaholo is set to debut for Tonga in the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup, facing Fiji and Samoa in a thrilling tournament.

Welsh Rugby's Strategic Overhaul: A New Era for Regional Teams
Rugby

Welsh Rugby's Strategic Overhaul: A New Era for Regional Teams

The Welsh Rugby Union unveils a transformative plan to streamline regional teams, aiming for sustainability and improved performance in Welsh rugby.

Ellena Perry's Transition to Ireland Rugby: A Story of Resilience and Opportunity
Rugby

Ellena Perry's Transition to Ireland Rugby: A Story of Resilience and Opportunity

Ellena Perry, former England prop, earns her debut with Ireland Rugby, showcasing resilience and adaptability in international rugby.

Gregor Brown Joins British & Irish Lions Squad for Crucial Melbourne Clash
Rugby

Gregor Brown Joins British & Irish Lions Squad for Crucial Melbourne Clash

Scotland's Gregor Brown is set to bolster the British & Irish Lions squad ahead of their pivotal match in Melbourne, adding depth and versatility to the team.

Maro Itoje Leads British and Irish Lions Against ACT Brumbies in Crucial Warm-Up Match
Rugby

Maro Itoje Leads British and Irish Lions Against ACT Brumbies in Crucial Warm-Up Match

Maro Itoje captains the British and Irish Lions in a pivotal warm-up against ACT Brumbies, shaping the team for the upcoming Test series.

Lions' Epic Comeback: A Test of Grit and Glory in Melbourne
Rugby

Lions' Epic Comeback: A Test of Grit and Glory in Melbourne

The British & Irish Lions staged a thrilling comeback against the Wallabies at the MCG, showcasing their resilience and securing a series win.

Clash of Titans: AUNZ XV vs British and Irish Lions - Final Test Series Warm-Up
Rugby

Clash of Titans: AUNZ XV vs British and Irish Lions - Final Test Series Warm-Up

Preview the final warm-up match between AUNZ XV and British and Irish Lions at Adelaide Oval before the Test series with Australia.

Bristol Bears Bolster Squad with Georgian Rugby Star Luka Ivanishvili
Rugby

Bristol Bears Bolster Squad with Georgian Rugby Star Luka Ivanishvili

Bristol Bears enhance their squad by signing Georgian back row forward Luka Ivanishvili, a promising talent with 23 international caps.

Maro Itoje's Leadership Propels Lions to Series Victory with Eyes on Clean Sweep
Rugby

Maro Itoje's Leadership Propels Lions to Series Victory with Eyes on Clean Sweep

Maro Itoje leads the British and Irish Lions to a thrilling series win against Australia, aiming for a historic clean sweep.

Lions vs Brumbies: Clash of Titans in Canberra - Rugby Showdown Preview
Rugby

Lions vs Brumbies: Clash of Titans in Canberra - Rugby Showdown Preview

Preview the thrilling rugby match between the British and Irish Lions and ACT Brumbies at Canberra's GIO Stadium. Catch live updates and team insights.

Scotland Faces Samoa Without Key Players: Jordan & Ritchie Join Graham on Injury List
Rugby

Scotland Faces Samoa Without Key Players: Jordan & Ritchie Join Graham on Injury List

Scotland's final summer tour game against Samoa will be without key players Tom Jordan and Jamie Ritchie due to injuries, adding to the absence of Darcy Graham.

Ireland's Rugby World Cup Journey: Players Rise to the Challenge Under Bemand's Leadership
Rugby

Ireland's Rugby World Cup Journey: Players Rise to the Challenge Under Bemand's Leadership

Ireland's head coach Scott Bemand discusses the selection process for the Women's Rugby World Cup, highlighting the team's resilience and depth as they prepare for the tournament.

Bundee Aki's Remarkable Journey: From Rugby Triumph to a Car-Birth Miracle
Rugby

Bundee Aki's Remarkable Journey: From Rugby Triumph to a Car-Birth Miracle

Discover the inspiring story of Bundee Aki, who led the British and Irish Lions to victory in Australia while his wife gave birth to their fifth child in a car.

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.