Lions star who was ‘leading the scrum-half position’ out with ‘cruel’ injury as Scottish replacement left ‘shaking’
Lions star who was 'leading the scrum-half position' out with 'cruel' injury as Scottish replacement left 'shaking'
After a standout opening couple of British and Irish Lions matches for Tomos Williams, the 2025 Premiership Player of the Season has sadly had to withdraw from the tour of Australia after suffering from a hamstring injury.
The 30-year-old Welsh star pulled up during Saturday’s match against the Western Force when scoring his second try with an acrobatic dive into the corner.
Williams walked away from his impressive score clutching the back of his leg before being removed from the field for what many believed to be simply a precautionary measure.
Sadly, the Gloucester scrum-half would soon find out that the injury was more serious than previously assumed, with Williams no longer able to continue his time down under, leaving just Jac Morgan to fly the Welsh flag for the Lions.
Lions head coach Andy Farrell would later confirm the withdrawal, saying simply: “Unfortunately, Tomos has been ruled out of the rest of the Tour with a hamstring injury.”
Lions tour manager Ieuan Evans, MBE, added: “This is desperately sad news for Tomos and we wish him all the very best in his recovery.
“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.”
Scotland scrum-half to replace Welsh counterpart
Farrell has chosen to invite Scotland scrum half Ben White into the squad, who will join the squad from neighbouring New Zealand, where he was preparing for a Test series with Scotland.
White was first capped for Scotland against England in the 2022 Six Nations and has won 29 caps for his country to date.
On his call-up to the Lions, White said: “It’s pretty crazy and it’s not sunk in yet, to be honest. He (Andy Farrell) called me this morning, and I’ve not stopped shaking since. It’s an incredible honour.
“I called my Mum and Dad straight away. They were incredibly proud, and it was an amazing phone call to have.
“It’s something you dream of, but not something you think you’ll do. Along your rugby journey, there are a lot of people who help you to be where you are, especially your family, so I’m incredibly grateful (for the opportunity).
“There are a fair few Scottish boys in the squad, so it’ll be good to see them again and meet the guys I don’t know too well. I’m really excited to get to know everyone and get going.”
Fans react to scrum-half switch
The reaction to the switch at half-back has certainly been a mixture of disappointment and hope, with many supporters believing that Williams was playing his way into a Test starting spot before the “cruel” turn of fate.
“Gutted for Tomos, he was, in my opinion, leading the scrum half position based on his performance,” said one fan.
Another added: “Love Ben White! However, that’s cruel! Tomos was the standout scrum half in the first two games. 3rd choice going in, according to a lot of people, but was pushing hard for a test spot! Such a shame!”
Finally, one keen supporter suggested that this injury now opens to door for Irish scrum-half, Jamison Gibson-Park, to make the number nine shirt his own, saying: “Shame, as he and Finn Russell looked great combo together, Gibson-Park definitely has to start now.”
