Wales captain Ryan Jones has been ruled out of the British and Irish Lions' tour of South Africa - just one day after arriving.

Jones has not satisfied the team medical staff that he is fully fit to play a part on the remainder of the 10-match trip.

He arrived in Cape Town yesterday after being summoned as a replacement for knee injury victory Stephen Ferris.

It is understood the Lions will not send for a further player to take over from Jones, who will now fly home without playing any part on the trip.

Lions manager Gerald Davies confirmed that Jones had been ruled out of the trip on medical grounds.
A series of examinations highlighted that he was not currently fit to play.

Jones underwent the same routine medical testing as all replacement players joining the tour, and it led to the squad's medical staff requesting a further examination by an independent neurosurgeon.

This was due to a concern over Jones' recent medical history that included two significant knocks to the head while playing for Wales during their recent North American tour.

Jones said: "I am very disappointed that on medical grounds I have been told that I am not currently fit enough to play an active role on the tour.

"I was looking forward to getting involved with the rest of the lads, but I guess it wasn't meant to be.

"It has been an up and down year for me in many ways.

"I feel okay at present, but obviously I have to listen to the neurosurgeon's advice in terms of my health and to ensure I make a full recovery."

On a neurosurgeon's advice, it has been determined it was not safe for Jones to undertake any physical contact for a mandatory three-week period.

This is in line with International Rugby Board regulations on concussion.

Lions head coach Ian McGeechan, meanwhile confirmed that at this stage of the trip no further replacement player will be required.

Ospreys back-row forward Jones, who skippered Wales to the RBS Six Nations title and Grand Slam last year, failed to make the original Lions squad.

He was among three national captains who were overlooked, joining Scotland skipper Mike Blair and England's Steve Borthwick.

Blair, though, flew out to South Africa last month when Munster scrum-half Tomas O'Leary was sidelined by a broken ankle.

And Jones gained a call-up following a knee injury to Ferris who produced two impressive displays as he made a concerted push for a Test place.

The loss of Jones leaves the Lions relatively thin on the ground in terms of their back-row options for Tuesday's game against the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth.

Jones travelled to New Zealand in 2005 as a Lions squad replacement, and made such an impact that he featured in all three Tests.