Lions dealt scrumhalf blow as Wales' Williams departs Australia

Mon, Jun 30, 2025, 12:58 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The British & Irish Lions have confirmed Wales scrumhalf Tomos Williams has suffered a tour-ending hamstring injury. Photo: Getty Images
The British & Irish Lions have confirmed Wales scrumhalf Tomos Williams has suffered a tour-ending hamstring injury. Photo: Getty Images

The British & Irish Lions have confirmed Wales scrumhalf Tomos Williams has suffered a tour-ending hamstring injury in Saturday's win against the Western Force in Perth.

Toulon and Scotland scrum-half Ben White has been called up to replace him and will join up with the squad in Brisbane.

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Williams was one of the Lions' best in the 54-7 victory at Optus Stadium, crossing for a double.

However, the half limped off the field after scoring his second try, clutching at his hamstring.

"This is desperately sad news for Tomos and we wish him all the very best in his recovery," Lions manager Ieuan Evans said.

"Tomos is an exemplary Lion who has had a brilliant season having joined the Tour after being named as Premiership Rugby's player-of-the-season.

"He lit up this Lions Tour with both his personality and his talent."

White comes into the squad after arriving in New Zealand for Scotland's July series against Fiji and Samoa.

He debuted for Scotland against England in 2022, featuring 29 times since.

Fellow scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park was unavailable for the opener match due to a recent glute injury, but was named in the squad to face Queensland Reds on Wednesday night.

"Jamison's fit and ready to go, and has been training fully now for the best part of the week, so we're happy with that," Farrell said on Saturday.

Gibson-Park starts alongside Finn Russell in the halves, with Alex Mitchell named on the bench.

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