Irish winger Simon Zebo has been called up to the British and Irish Lions squad as a replacement for the injured Tommy Bowe.

Fellow Irishman Bowe was initially ruled out of the Lions' tour of Australia because of a finger fracture suffered in yesterday's win over the Queensland Reds.

However, the 29-year-old could still feature in the latter stages of the tour if surgery is successful, coach Warren Gatland said.

Zebo, who will now fly out from America after playing for Ireland against a US Eagles team, said: "I'm absolutely over the moon. It is the best news I could ever have dreamed of.

"As a professional rugby player the ultimate goal is to be a British and Irish Lion. Hopefully I'll get the chance to do that if I get my cap. That is something I have to work towards now."

Zebo, 23, will fly from Houston, Texas on Sunday evening and arrive in Sydney on Tuesday morning, meeting up with the squad in Newcastle ahead of the game against Combined Country.