Former England captain Owen Farrell is reportedly set to make a dramatic return to the international rugby scene with a call-up to the British and Irish Lions squad for their upcoming tour of Australia. The move comes as a replacement for utility back Elliot Daly, who sustained an arm injury during Wednesday's victory over the Queensland Reds.
Farrell, 33, recently rejoined Saracens after a challenging season with French club Racing 92. The seasoned player, who has earned 112 caps for England, took a break from international duty following the 2023 Rugby World Cup. A veteran of three previous Lions tours (2013, 2017, and 2021), Farrell’s experience and leadership qualities make him a valuable addition to the squad.
However, his inclusion has sparked debate. Farrell has not played international rugby in nearly two years and has been sidelined for nine weeks after suffering a concussion in his final game for Racing 92 on May 4. This absence contrasts with other potential contenders, such as Wales’ Blair Murray and Scotland’s Tom Jordan, who have been actively training with their national teams.
Despite the controversy, Lions coach Andy Farrell confirmed that his son was under consideration when the squad was announced on May 8. "Owen was in the conversation obviously, an experienced player like that, looking for his fourth tour and with his leadership qualities," he stated.
Farrell’s versatility as both a fly-half and inside centre could reshape the Lions’ midfield dynamics. Currently, Finn Russell is favored to start at fly-half in the Test series, with Bundee Aki or Sione Tuipulotu likely at inside centre. Fin Smith was initially slated as Russell’s backup, while Marcus Smith has yet to secure a starting role at number 10.
Coach Farrell also addressed concerns about full-back options following Daly’s injury, noting that the squad has "loads of full-backs." However, Blair Kinghorn and Hugo Keenan have yet to feature on the tour due to late arrivals and health issues, respectively.
The Lions are set to face the New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday, followed by a match against the ACT Brumbies in Canberra four days later. The first Test against Australia is scheduled for July 19 in Brisbane.
Farrell’s potential return adds an intriguing subplot to the Lions’ campaign, as they aim to secure victory on Australian soil.
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