Owen Farrell's Surprise Lions Call-Up Sparks Debate Ahead of Australia Tour
So, the big news today in the world of rugby: Owen Farrell is set to rejoin the British and Irish Lions for their tour of Australia. That’s right—Farrell, the former England captain, is expected to be called up by none other than his father, Lions head coach Andy Farrell, following an injury to utility back Elliot Daly. Daly suffered an arm injury in the recent win over Queensland Reds, and with that, a spot opened up—one that looks almost certain to go to the 33-year-old Saracens playmaker.
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Now, let’s talk about this. Farrell hasn’t played international rugby since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and his most recent appearance in a match was back on May 4 for Racing 92 against Lyon—nearly nine weeks ago. He’s been recovering from a concussion since then and has just returned to his club, Saracens, after a somewhat rocky stint in Paris. So, this potential call-up comes as both a shock and, for some, a point of controversy.
Despite the long layoff, Farrell's credentials are hard to dismiss. He’s a seasoned Lion, having featured in the 2013, 2017, and 2021 tours. He’s got over 100 caps for England, and his leadership and experience are undeniable. But let’s be real—there are others like Wales’ Blair Murray or Scotland’s Tom Jordan who’ve been training and actively preparing with their national squads. They’re match-fit and ready, whereas Farrell hasn’t been on a pitch in weeks.
What makes this even more intriguing is the family dynamic. Andy Farrell admitted back in May that Owen was already “in the conversation” during initial selection discussions. It’s clear he values his son’s experience, especially with a Lions squad that’s seen a few disruptions already due to injuries and late arrivals. If Farrell does join, it could shift the midfield setup significantly. He’s versatile—able to play both at fly-half and inside centre—which could impact players like Finn Russell, Bundee Aki, or even Marcus Smith, who’s still looking for a chance to start at number 10.
There’s also the emotional aspect. Owen was spotted during the Lions’ opener against Argentina, chatting warmly pitchside with his father. You can sense how much this tour might mean on a personal level, not just a professional one.
With the Lions set to face the Waratahs this Saturday and the Brumbies next week before that all-important first Test in Brisbane on July 19, the timing of Farrell’s potential return adds an extra layer of drama to an already exciting tour. Whether you think it's a stroke of strategic genius or a risky move clouded by sentiment, one thing’s for sure—Owen Farrell’s name being back in the mix is making headlines for all the right, and wrong, reasons.
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