British Blair force

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O'Leary was part of the initial 37-man squad named by Ian McGeechan but the 25-year-old was ruled out almost immediately when he fractured his ankle playing for Munster last month.

McGeechan said: "The selectors and I have had plenty of time to review the situation in terms of a replacement scrum half and were in agreement that Mike Blair should replace Tomas. He was on our reserve list for such an eventuality."

He added: "Mike is an excellent addition to the British and Irish Lions squad. As a national captain he is well respected by his peers and his 58 tests for Scotland mark him as a very capable and experienced scrum half."

On O'Leary, the head coach continued: "Sport can be very cruel. One minute Tomas was celebrating his well-earned call-up to the Lions tour to South Africa, the next he is being carried off injured while playing for Munster against Llanelli Scarlets in Cork.

"Unfortunately the injury was a serious one and it ruled Tomas out of the tour. We wish Tomas all the very best for a quick recovery."

Blair becomes the third Scot on the plane to South Africa, joining prop Euan Murray and lock Nathan Hines.

The 28-year-old has now set his sights on making the most of his second chance.

"I'm really pleased to have been given the opportunity to tour with the British and Irish Lions, it is a massive honour," he said.

"The call-up just goes to show how quickly everything can change in rugby and I'm determined to seize my chance and make an impact."