DUNEDIN, New Zealand -- Scotland's Stuart Hogg has been ruled out of the remainder of the British & Irish Lions' tour with a 'facial bone fracture'.
Hogg sustained the injury in the first half of Saturday's win over the Crusaders when he caught his teammate Conor Murray's elbow in the face.
He underwent a series of scans after the match, and the Lions confirmed he will play no further part in the tour on Tuesday and also announced they will not be calling up a replacement.
The news comes as a bitter blow for one of the northern hemisphere's top fullbacks. "I'm gutted to be leaving the Tour at this stage," Hogg said. "It is an honour to have been involved in a second British & Irish Lions tour and I have hugely enjoyed my time with the squad and I'm very excited about the potential of this group.
"I'm disappointed to be leaving in this way but wish all the squad the best in the coming weeks and will be cheering them on from home."
Lions coach Warren Gatland said: "It is hugely disappointing for Stuart to have to return home early and for us to lose one of our touring party.
"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 in the future."
