Saturday 17 June 2017 07:25, UK
Wales loose forward Ross Moriarty has been ruled out of the British and Irish Lions' tour of New Zealand just hours after coach Warren Gatland called in four additional players.
Moriarty had been suffering from what the Lions said was nerve damage and was restricted to just one appearance on the tour, which came during the 13-7 victory over the Provincial Barbarians in the opening match.
"We are really disappointed for Ross," Gatland said in a statement. "He has had a hugely impressive season, capped off with selection for the British & Irish Lions and his performance in the first match justified that selection.
"It is disappointing to see injury cut short his tour but we wish him all the best with his recovery."
The Wales flanker suffered back spasms in the tour-opening 13-7 win over the Provincial Barbarians and required treatment that Gatland felt was largely down to a combination of jet lag and sitting in a car.
"A couple of our guys picked up back spasms - Ross Moriarty and Kyle Sinckler," said Gatland after their first win.
"Again we did community work with the guys sitting in cars for five hours. And they're all probably still recovering from the flight as well. The doctor is confident they will be fine."
While Sinckler has gone on to recover from his back spasm, Moriarty has had to admit defeat in his fitness battle.
"It has been my dream since I was able to understand what rugby was, to play for the British and Irish Lions," said Moriarty.
"Rugby is a huge part of mine and my family's life and I'm hugely honoured to have been able to pull on the famous jersey and be part of this group and this tour.
"I feel becoming a Lion was reward for all the people who have helped me get to this stage in my career and I have really enjoyed the experience.
"I wish all the boys the best and I'll be supporting them fully from back home."
Gatland had earlier called lock Cory Hill, hooker Kristian Dacey, scrum-half Gareth Davies and prop Tomas Francis, who were in New Zealand on duty with Wales.
The quartet joined up with the Lions in Rotorua ahead of their tour match against the Maori All Blacks later on Saturday.
Wales were in action in Auckland on Friday, beating Tonga 24-7, and Lions coach Gatland said it made sense to bring in players who would not need time to acclimatise.
