Billy Twelvetrees called up to British & Irish Lions squad

Billy Twelvetrees has been called up to the British & Irish Lions squad as backline cover. The England and Gloucester Rugby centre flew from Argentina on Wednesday and will arrive in Sydney on Friday.

British & Irish Lions Head Coach Warren Gatland said: “The nature of a Lions tour means that there will inevitably be knocks which take time to recover from.

The whole squad have worked hard but a lot of the backs have doubled up over the last two games, either starting or from the bench.

Billy played well in the 1st Test for England and he provides that versatility to cover a variety of positions.”

24-year-old Twelvetrees made his debut for England against Scotland in this year's Six Nations and has so far earned 5 caps for his country, scoring two tries.