Jamison Gibson-Park admits Leinster’s European exit tempered Lions call-up joy

Jamison Gibson-Park admits the cruel timing of Caelan Doris’ long-term injury combined with Leinster’s shock European exit tempered the joy of his British and Irish Lions call-up.

Scrum-half Gibson-Park is among 12 Leinster players selected by Lions head coach Andy Farrell for this summer’s series against Australia.

Provincial team-mate Doris would have increased that figure to 13 and was a leading contender to captain the side but faces four to six months on the sidelines after undergoing shoulder surgery.

The Ireland skipper sustained the issue during Leinster’s agonising 37-34 Investec Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Northampton on May 3rd, just five days before the Lions squad was announced.

“It was bizarre, to tell you the truth, it was an emotional rollercoaster,” Gibson-Park said of the days surrounding Lions selection.

“There’s plenty going on, Caelan probably being the biggest one. It was unbelievably tough on him.

“He’s been such a great player for club and country. He’s had an unbelievable run with injuries and it’s just the cruelty of the game sometimes.

Ready for the players!