Lions 2013: O'Connell Ruled Out of Remainder of Lions Tour With Fractured Arm

The British & Irish Lions have been dealt a huge blow after Paul O'Connell was ruled out for the rest of the tour.

The Munster lock suffered a fractured arm as Warren Gatland's side secured 23-21 victory over Australia in Saturday's first Test in Brisbane, an injury severe enough to bring his tour to a premature end.

"British & Irish Lions lock Paul O'Connell has been ruled out of the remaining two games of the series against the Qantas Wallabies after suffering a fractured arm," a statement on the Lions official website read.

The Irishman, who captained the Lions in their 2009 tour, is likely to be replaced by England forward Geoff Parling for Saturday's second Test. Parling was due to captain the tourists in Tuesday's game against the Melbourne Rebels, but has now been withdrawn from the side.

Wales flank Dan Lydiate will now lead the Lions against the Rebels midweek.

The loss the of the influential O'Connell, who has started the Lions' last seven Lions Tests, was further exacerbated with the news that England prop Alex Corbisiero is now a major doubt for the Melbourne Test as he struggles with a calf injury.

Corbisiero himself is another recent addition to Gatland's squad, called in from England's tour of Argentina to replace the injured Cian Healy, who is undergoing treatment for a calf problem.

32-year-old Tom Court has been called up the squad to provide cover, becoming the eighth addition to the tourists' party to bolster an injury-ravaged squad.

Mako Vunipola, who was beaten to a starting spot in Saturday's narrow victory by Corbisiero, has been withdrawn from the squad to line up against the Rebels tomorrow, suggesting the Saracans prop will start Saturday's penultimate test at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium.

The Wallabies themselves have been handed a major blow in their own preparations after a warrant for the arrest of winger Digby Loane was issued on Monday morning after the 27-year-old failed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on the case of an assault charge.

Lions team to play Melbourne Rebels: Rob Kearney, Sean Maitland, Manu Tuilagi, Brad Barritt, Simon Zebo, Owen Farrell, Conor Murray; Ryan Grant, Richard Hibbard, Dan Cole, Richie Gray, Ian Evans, Dan Lydiate (captain), Sean O'Brien, Toby Faletau.

Replacements: Rory Best, Tom Court, Matt Stevens, Tom Croft, Justin Tipuric, Ben Youngs, Billy Twelvetrees, Stuart Hogg.