Prop Clarkson joins Lions as front row cover
Tom Clarkson scored in Ireland's emphatic win over Portugal on Saturday
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Ireland and Leinster tight-head prop Tom Clarkson will join the British and Irish Lions squad to provide additional front row cover before the first Test against Australia on Saturday.
The 25-year-old was given his Ireland debut by Andy Farrell, the Lions head coach, in November and has gone on to win eight caps.
England hooker Jamie George was called up by the Lions on Saturday, with Luke Cowan-Dickie a doubt for the first Test in Brisbane after suffering a suspected concussion in Saturday's big win against the AUNZ Invitational XV.
Ireland's leading tight-head props Tadhg Furlong and Finlay Bealham are already in Australia, with Clarkson linking up after starting Ireland's 106-7 win over Portugal on Saturday to bring the Irish contingent in the squad up to 18 players.
Clarkson has benefited from Furlong's injury troubles this season at both club and international level.
His Leinster and Ireland team-mate Jamie Osborne, who is comfortable at centre and full-back, has arrived in Brisbane after being called up earlier in the week as training cover for Blair Kinghorn.
The 23-year-old utility back was due to start against Portugal but was pulled out of the game after being called up by the Lions.