Ex-England captain Farrell set for Lions call-up
Former England captain Owen Farrell is in line for a remarkable call-up to the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.
Coach Andy Farrell is set to turn to his son as a replacement for utility back Elliot Daly, who has been ruled out with the arm injury he suffered in Wednesday's win over Queensland Reds.
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Owen Farrell, 33, recently returned to Saracens after a difficult season in Paris with Racing 92.
He won 112 caps for his country before taking a break from England duty after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
A Test Lion on the 2013, 2017 and 2021 tours, there is no doubting Farrell's credentials.
But his call-up is controversial.
Farrell hasn't played international rugby in nearly two years and hasn't played at all in nearly nine weeks after suffering a concussion while playing for Racing against Lyon on 4 May, his last game for the Top 14 side.
A host of other contenders – such as Wales' Blair Murray or Scotland's Tom Jordan – have been training and preparing for competitive rugby with their national sides.
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However when naming his Lions squad on 8 May, Andy Farrell confirmed Owen had been in selection contention despite his lack of international rugby.
"Owen was in the conversation obviously, an experienced player like that, looking for his fourth tour and with his leadership qualities," Andy Farrell said.
"But it got to a point, like with a few others, where he is still trying to find his way back to fitness.
"There are 38 picked which leaves a couple of slots open for us down the track, if and when needed. Owen and a few other guys would be in that type of bracket."
More to follow.
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