Kyle Sinckler has vowed to “do the shirt proud” in the place of the recently injured Andrew Porter, after replacing him in the British and Irish Lions squad.
A foot injury while playing for Leinster on Friday against Glasgow Warriors ruled Porter out until pre-season, which opened the door for Sinckler, who had been one of the shock exclusions from Warren Gatland’s initial 37-man Lions squad.
The Bristol Bears and England tighthead took to social media soon after he was called into the squad, where he wished Porter well with his recovery.
The reality of being selected for the Lions is that one player’s delight is invariably another player’s misery, and Sinckler is acutely aware of that. The 28-year-old was candid in expressing his disappointment in missing out last month, and Porter will now be in a similar position.
“Just a post to say how grateful I am for all the positive messages received in relation to my last minute Lions inclusion,” the 47-cap international said.
“I am honoured to be part of the team moving forward, but feel it is most important to offer my empathy to Andrew Porter. I can only imagine how you are feeling brother, I wish you the very best with your recovery. Will make sure I do the shirt proud if I get a chance to wear it in your place.
“You all know how much this means to me, more so at this point in my career because I understand just how much rugby and overcoming adversity can inspire the next generation. My eyes have been opened in recent months, and in a tough world climate, my plan is to put this opportunity to good use as a platform for hope when we all need a little. Stay tuned.”
Sinckler already has three Lions caps from 2017, where he came off the bench to replace Tadhg Furlong in all three Tests against the All Blacks.
His surge in form for Bristol ever since he was omitted by Gatland suggests he could add to those caps.
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