Welsh duo Adam Beard and Josh Navidi have been called into the British and Irish Lions 37-man touring squad to replace captain Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric.
The news that both Jones and Tipuric sustained tour-ending shoulder injuries during the Lions 28-10 win over Japan at BT Murrayfield Stadium today comes as a blow to Warren Gatland - especially as the Lions coach had appeared confident that openside flanker Tipuric had suffered no more than a shoulder stinger.
You can read the full transcript of Gatland's press conference here.
Irish scrum-half Conor Murray will take over from Jones as tour captain, it has been announced.
“We’re all incredibly disappointed for Alun Wyn and Justin,” said Gatland.
“The timing of these injuries seem particularly cruel given we fly to South Africa tomorrow, but unfortunately they’re part of the game.
“Alun Wyn will obviously be a big loss, both on and off the field, but will be ably replaced by Connor.
“Conor is an outstanding rugby player and is held in the highest regard with both the players and coaches. As a three-time Lions tourist, he knows what will be required as captain and I am certain he will lead the squad with excellence. He will also be well supported by an experienced leadership group.
“We plan for Adam and Josh to join up with the touring party before we depart for South Africa tomorrow evening.”
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Cardiff Rugby flanker Navidi could have considered himself unlucky to miss out on initial selection to the squad, while Beard was a trusted member of Gatland's Wales squad during the later years of his time with Wales.
Exeter Chiefs quartet Luke Cowan Dickie, Stuart Hogg, Jonny Hill and Sam Simmonds will also link up with the 37-man touring party as planned in Edinburgh on Sunday 27 June.
