Lions add Clarkson as front-row cover ahead of first Australia Test

Tom Clarkson will link up with the British and Irish Lions to provide additional front-row cover ahead of the first Test against Australia.

The Leinster forward was part of the Ireland side that hammered Portugal 106-7 on Saturday, and will now travel Down Under ahead of the opener in Brisbane on Saturday.

Clarkson was given his Ireland debut by Lions coach Andy Farrell back in November, and he has gone on to make eight appearances.

Farrell had already added England hooker Jamie George to his ranks after Luke Cowan-Dickie suffered a concussion in the 48-0 win over the AUNZ Invitational XV on Saturday.

A squad update from Brisbane! #Lions2025
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 13, 2025

Ireland tight-head duo Tadhg Furlong and Finlay Bealham are already in Australia, with the former having endured injury issues this season, meaning the Irish now have 18 players in the squad.

Clarkson's Leinster team-mate Jamie Osborne has already joined the squad in Brisbane, as training cover for Blair Kinghorn.