8 May 2009

Welsh centre in doubt for Lions tour

12:16 pm on 8 May 2009

The Welsh rugby centre Tom Shanklin's hopes of going on the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa could be in tatters after he dislocated his shoulder during Cardiff Blues' victory in the Celtic League over Newport-Gwent Dragons.

The 29-year-old enjoyed the high of scoring a try before having to leave the field near the end of the match, and now faces a race against time to be fit as the Lions' tour of South Africa starts in 18 days.

The Lions squad will already be without Irish halfback Tomas O'Leary - who fractured an ankle a fortnight ago - while O'Leary's Munster team-mate Alan Quinlan could also well miss out if he is adjudged guilty of gouging Leinster lock Leo Cullen in last Saturday's European Cup semi-final.