Boost for the Lions as Furlong may be fit to face Pumas in Dublin

THE British & Irish Lions insist Tadhg Furlong is in contention for their first game against Argentina in Dublin next Friday, despite increasing concerns over his fitness for the upcoming tour of Australia

- BEN JAMES Rugby writer

The tighthead prop who has started the last six Tests for the Lions on their previous two tours has been sidelined since early May due to a calf strain.

However, despite Scotland's Zander Fagerson withdrawing from the squad on Monday due to a calf injury of his own, the Lions remain optimistic over the 32-year-old Ireland prop.

With Ireland prop Finlay Bealham called up to replace Fagerson, Sale's Asher Opoku-Fordjour has also been brought to Portugal for their training camp as tighthead Will Stuart prepares for Bath's Premiership final against Leicester.

Furlong’s club, Leinster, are in United Rugby Championship final action this weekend against the Bulls at Croke Park, before the dozen of tourists from the Irish province meet up with the squad next week ahead of the clash with Argentina.

Lions forwards coach John Dalziel offered up an encouraging update on Furlong, suggesting Furlong could be involved in the URC final.

“Tadhg has the availability to be able to train and play this week with Leinster,” he said.