Cueto replaces injured Balshaw in Lions squad

LONDON - England winger Mark Cueto has been called into the British and Irish Lions squad to tour New Zealand in place of the injured Iain Balshaw.

England's Balshaw has not recovered from a thigh muscle injury sustained playing for his club Leeds three weeks ago.

"Obviously everyone is extremely disappointed for Iain," Lions coach Clive Woodward said.

"He is a terrific player and would have been a great asset to the tour. But obviously I am delighted that we have someone of the calibre of Mark Cueto to call upon."

The Lions depart for New Zealand next week.

- REUTERS