England No 8 Billy Vunipola has withdrawn from the British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand due to a persistent shoulder injury.

He will be replaced by James Haskell, who will join the squad on Sunday following the Premiership final.

'It is really disappointing for Billy and we know how much he was looking forward to joining the squad,' said Lions coach Warren Gatland. 'He has been carrying an injury and feels he wouldn’t be able to contribute fully to the tour and needs further medical treatment.'

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