Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg will miss the remainder of the Lions tour.
The 24-year-old fractured a facial bone in last Saturday's 12-3 win over the Crusaders. In a freak accident, Hogg was accidentally elbowed in the face by teammate Conor Murray, as the Scot was chasing a high ball.
After Saturday's incident, Hogg left the field bloodied, but failed a Head Injury Assessment and did not return to the field, for the remainder of the match.
A two-time Lions tourist, the Scottish star played in two matches on the 2017 tour. He started the opening match against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians, and also featured in last weekend's Crusaders win.
✌ðŸ¼ðŸ¦ pic.twitter.com/wtbE2xtCSi
— Stuart W Hogg (@StuartWHOGG_) June 13, 2017
"I’m gutted to be leaving to be leaving the Tour at this stage", Hogg said in a statement. "It is an honour to have been involved in a second British & Irish Lions tour and I have hugely enjoyed my time with the squad and I’m very excited about the potential of this group."
"I’m disappointed to be leaving in this way but wish all the squad the best in the coming weeks and will be cheering them on from home."
Hogg is the first player to leave the Tour through injury, since they arrived in New Zealand almost a fortnight ago. Head coach Warren Gatland revealed that no replacement will be called up for the Scot.
"Stuart has been a key member of our squad on and off the field and it is disappointing to see injury cut short his time with us in New Zealand. We all wish him the best with his recovery and we look forward to seeing him back in action in the future."
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