THE British Lions are reeling from a triple injury setback suffered during the weekend's round of Courage League matches. Newcastle wing Tony Underwood, Northampton captain Tim Rodber and London Irish lock Jeremy Davidson were all hurt, just six weeks before the Lions leave for South Africa.

Underwood fractured his jaw during Newcastle's shock second division defeat at Bedford, Rodber sustained a whiplash injury against Bristol, and Davidson suffered a groin strain just five minutes into the 20-19 victory over Harlequins.

But all three are confident they will recover in time to link up with the 35-man Lions squad.

Underwood was on the receiving end of a crunching tackle from opposite number Paul Hewitt, and needed treatment at Bedford Hospital before rejoining his teammates for their journey home.

His England colleague Rodber went down following a 75th-minute collision with Bristols Irish international flanker David Corkery.

"I've suffered this type of injury before, but it is still quite frightening when you get the pins and needles sensation in both shoulders," he said.

"Many rugby players experience this type of whiplash injury, and it's just a case of looking after it," added Rodber, who was given a surgical collar for the coach journey back to Northampton.

Davidson expects a two or three week lay-off, but said: "It shouldn't change anything as far as the Lions are concerned."

Meanwhile, Bath and England star Mike Call has been thrown a Lions lifeline by coach Ian McGeechan.

Catt, surprisingly overlooked for a place in the original party, could still travel if Wales full-back, Neil Jenkins doesn't recover on schedule from his broken arm.