Andy Farrell hits back at 'nonsense' after shock decision to call up son Owen for Lions tour of Australia
Updated 03/07/2025 at 16:38 GMT+1
British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has turned to his son, Owen, after it was confirmed that utility back Elliot Daly suffered a broken arm during victory over the Queensland Reds. The Lions put more than 50 points on the board in Wednesday’s warm-up win but were dealt a late setback. Owen Farrell, who recently rejoined Saracens, will now represent the Lions on a fourth tour.
Can Pollock 'do a Rooney' on Lions tour down under?
Video credit: TNT Sports
British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has hit back at "nonsense" surrounding son Owen Farrell after his shock call-up to the squad.
Owen has been called up to replace Elliot Daly, who took a knock in Wednesday’s thumping 52-12 warm-up win over the Queensland Reds and left the stadium in a sling before an X-ray revealed the England international had fractured his forearm.
With plenty of cover at full-back, where Daly has played on the tour so far, head coach Andy Farrell has taken the big decision to bring his son into the mix.
Owen is a veteran of three Lions tours, having first pulled on the iconic red shirt on the 2013 tour of Australia, but has struggled for form and consistent game time over the last 12 months.
He has not played a game of competitive rugby since May 4 after suffering a concussion, and has not featured at international level since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, during which he was booed by sections of England fans.
"I hope people can get past that. There has been a lot of that nonsense for some time," said Lions head coach Andy Farrell about the negative reaction towards his son.
"That was in the past. We all just need to move on and embrace what the Lions is all about and what we have got coming ahead.
"We feel that the timing is right now, that we can all move on and push on, not just with Owen’s career but what we’re trying to achieve here with the Lions."
Farrell also said his son is "fully fit" and will add experience to the squad.
"Owen’s fit or else he wouldn’t be picked," the coach said. "I know that the guys have been keeping close touch with him in regard to that and he’s been training full bore for quite some time now.
"He’s the right man at this moment in time for us. We know how much he looks after himself and prides himself on keeping in good nick anyway.
"When you look at the experience Elliot had, it's not just the playing side, it's how you make the group feel, the little chats you have, and Owen will bring a lot of that into the group."
- Williams ruled out of Lions tour, White called up as replacement
- Lions enjoy 'special day' with dominant eight-try win in opening tour match
Farrell junior has been capped 112 times for England and, alongside Tadhg Furlong and captain Maro Itoje, is the only other player in the squad to have toured three times previously.
Following a loss to Argentina and wins over Western Force and the Queensland Reds, the Lions have three warm-up games remaining before the three-Test series against Australia begins on July 19.
BEIRNE TO CAPTAIN LIONS AGAINST WARATAHS
The Lions will play their third match since touching down in Australia when they face the Waratahs on Saturday, with Ireland's Tadhg Beirne being named captain for the clash in Sydney.
There are 14 changes to the side who beat Queensland Reds 52-12 in Brisbane.
Hugo Keenan will make his first start at full-back with Blair Kinghorn on the wing to make his Lions debut.
"Congratulations to Tadhg who will lead the side on Saturday night - and also to Blair, Hugo and Ben who will all make their Lions debuts," Farrell said.
"The games are coming thick and fast now as we face a Waratahs side who will want to make their mark."
Ben Earl will also make his first Lions start after coming on to play at 12 against the Reds in the final 14 minutes of the game.
The backline sees England and Northampton Saints duo Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith at scrum-half and fly-half, with Scottish and Glasgow Warriors partners Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones lining up in the centres.
The game kicks off at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday, July 5, at 11:00 BST.
- - -
Stream the Gallagher Premiership and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement