Garry Ringrose ruled out of first Lions Test due to concussion
- Garry Ringrose suffered a head injury during a match against the ACT Brumbies on July 8, 2025.
- Following concussion protocols, he will miss the first Test against Australia due to a mandatory 12-day stand down.
- The British and Irish Lions face additional challenges as Luke Cowan-Dickie also sustained an injury.
In Australia, Garry Ringrose, an important player for the British and Irish Lions, has been ruled out of the first Test against Australia due to a concussion suffered during a match against the ACT Brumbies. This incident occurred on July 8, 2025, when Ringrose sustained a head injury that resulted in a delayed reaction of headaches. Following concussion protocols, he failed to pass, necessitating a mandatory stand down for a minimum of 12 days, which means he will not be available for the series opener that takes place on July 13, 2025 in Brisbane. In addition to Ringrose's situation, the Lions are facing another setback as Luke Cowan-Dickie has also suffered an injury. He was forced off the field during the match on July 8, after appearing to sustain a knockout during a tackle. This has left the team with a selection dilemma, particularly impacting their strategy for the first Test. Cowan-Dickie's absence may lead to a call-up for a replacement at the hooker position, placing further stress on head coach Andy Farrell as he finalizes the squad. Head Coach Andy Farrell has addressed the media, expressing disappointment for both players. He emphasized the importance of adhering to concussion protocols, highlighting that the safety of the players must come first. Farrell mentioned that Garry Ringrose, despite being sidelined, is in good spirits and looking forward to potentially rejoining the team in time for the midweek game against the First Nations & Pasifika XV later this month. As the first Test approaches, these injuries present significant challenges for the Lions, who will need to rethink their game strategy in light of these changes. With Ringrose out of the lineup, this opens a door for other players, such as Owen Farrell, to step into a more prominent role, potentially altering the dynamics within the midfield. Notably, as injuries take a toll on the squad, the coaching staff must quickly reposition its tactics to ensure a competitive edge against Australia.