Andy Farrell explains his contentious decision to include Owen Farrell's son, a Sky Sports commentator, in the British and Irish Lions tour squad.
Owen Farrell, the 33-year-old English rugby union player and son of British & Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell, has been called up to the squad for the ongoing tour of Australia, replacing Elliot Daly who sustained a fractured forearm during the Lions' 52-12 victory over the Queensland Reds.
Daly's injury marks the end of his tour, while Farrell steps in to continue his fourth Lions tour. The decision has sparked debate, with some questioning the fairness of the selection process given Farrell's recent absence from international rugby.
Farrell has not played for England since the 2023 World Cup and has been sidelined for two months due to concussion. However, his father, Andy Farrell, has defended his son's call-up, emphasising the player's experience and leadership qualities.
Farrell senior expressed heartbreak for the group over Daly's departure but believes his son brings necessary experience and support to the team. He also highlighted Farrell's ability to inject life and experience into the group, attributes that Owen Farrell is known for.
The British & Irish Lions are currently on their tour of Australia, with the RugbyPass App providing coverage of the events. Farrell's inclusion in the team follows a string of high-profile rugby tours and competitions, although his recent form has been subject to scrutiny.
Tadhg Beirne leads the Lions' starting line-up as skipper Maro Itoje is rested. Ireland's Hugo Keenan makes his Lions debut at full-back, replacing an ill Daly. Farrell will compete for the No 10 and 12 shirts.
Elliot Daly, 32, has said an emotional goodbye to the Lions squad, while Farrell, highly respected for his leadership and winning mentality, joins the team today. Farrell has recently signed for Saracens again, and Scot Blair Kinghorn is set for his first start on the wing for the Lions.
The Lions' next match is against the New South Wales Waratahs, and it remains to be seen whether Farrell will be part of the team. Despite the controversy surrounding his call-up, Farrell's experience could prove valuable if he can regain his form.
Elliot Daly's absence from the Lions' tour due to a fractured forearm has opened an opportunity for sports veterans like Owen Farrell, who has been called up to continue his fourth Lions tour. Despite some questioning the fairness of the selection process, Farrell's experience and leadership qualities, along with his ability to inject life and experience into the group, could prove valuable if he can regain his form in the upcoming matches.
