The British and Irish Lions have suffered a major blow ahead of the second test against Australia, with lock Paul O’Connell ruled out of the rest of the series against Australia due to a fracture in his right forearm.

The 33-year-old Irishman, who captained the Lions on their last tour to South Africa in 2009, sustained the injury in the tourists’ 23-21 victory in the first test in Brisbane on Saturday.

The injury will be a particular blow to the Munster man, who came through a long period on the sidelines with a back injury before returning to action in April to secure his place on a third Lions tour.

Geoff Parling is set to replace O’Connell for the second test, with Lions coach Warren Gatland signalling his intention by withdrawing the England lock from today’s tour match against the Melbourne Rebels.

Parling, who came off the bench in the first test, was to have led a ‘dirt-trackers’ side against the Super Rugby team at Melbourne’s Rectangular Stadium, but will be replaced in the starting line-up by Ian Evans for the last non-test tour match.

Towering Scotland lock Richie Gray will line up alongside the Welshman for the build-up match today.

O’Connell’s injury capped a quick turnaround in the fortunes for both sides, with Australia captain and lock James Horwill cleared to play in the second test late on Sunday after a disciplinary hearing dismissed a charge of trampling on Lions lock Wyn Jones.