The British & Irish Lions have successfully completed their training camp in Portugal with all players reported fit and ready for action. A total of 15 players, who participated in last weekend’s domestic finals, joined the squad on Monday in preparation for their upcoming match against Argentina.
The only player yet to join the squad is Scottish fullback Blair Kinghorn, who is still committed to club duties with Toulouse, which is competing in the Top 14 semifinals in France this week. Kinghorn could miss another week if Toulouse advances to the final.
Despite this, Lions coach Andy Farrell remains optimistic as the club season concludes in Britain and Ireland. Key players from English clubs Bath, Leicester, and Irish province Leinster—who recently claimed victory in their respective finals—appear to be in good condition for the international tour.
Leinster’s scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park, prop Tadhg Furlong, and fullback Hugo Keenan were absent in their team’s 32-7 win over the Bulls but are expected to join the Lions. The squad’s first joint training session will take place on Tuesday, though those who play against Argentina in Dublin on Friday might not see extended action.
With a limited number of players at the Portugal camp, Farrell brought in England’s Jamie George and Asher Opoku-Fordjour to bolster practice sessions. Their involvement concluded Monday as they returned to their respective clubs.
Following their fixture with Argentina, the Lions will embark on a nine-match trip to Australia, where they will face the Wallabies in three test matches.