Eye injury rules Hogg out of Lions tour

Hawick’s Stuart Hogg will miss the rest of the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand because of a fractured facial bone.

The Borders rugby star, 24, suffered the injury in a collision with team-mate Conor Murray during the Lions game against the Crusaders.

Coach Warren Gatland praised Hogg and wished him well before his return home to Scotland for treatment.

"It is hugely disappointing for Stuart to have to return home early

"Stuart has been a key member of our squad on and off the field and it is disappointing to see injury cut short his time with us in New Zealand.

"We all wish him the best with his recovery and we look forward to seeing him back in action."

Hogg, has been player of the tournament in the Six Nations the past two seasons, had this to say about his early departure from the tour:

Hogg was pictured sporting a black eye and dressing on his face as he watched The Lions play the fourth match of their tour on this morning against the Highlanders in Dunedin.