‘A funny feeling' – Sky Sports pundit ‘could play on British and Irish Lions Tour' after stepping back from TV duty

The Sun

4 days ago

OWEN FARRELL could still play for the British and Irish Lions this summer despite starting the tour as a pundit on Sky Sports.
That's according to former England teammate Danny Care, who has warned not to rule the 33-year-old out of contention.
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Farrell, who was not selected in the Lions' initial 38-man travelling squad for Australia, worked as a pundit for Sky Sports during the Lions' summer series opener against Argentina last week.
But the 112 time England cap has now stepped down from punditry for the remainder of the tour in a pre-planned move that keeps him available for selection in Australia should an slot open up.
Farrell was snubbed by his father and Lions head coach Andy Farrell when the initial squad announcement was released last month, but there is still optimism that he could be called upon as a first reserve.
Former teammate Care told the Mail Online that he has a "funny feeling" that Farrell might find a way to return to the Lions fold this summer.
He said: "It's quite a young and youthful Lions squad, especially in that backline.
"There's not many lads, barring Finn Russell and a couple of others, who have played for the Lions before and experienced it.
"I know Owen is the ultimate competitor and its brilliant to have him back in the Premiership, I just have a funny feeling that we might see him in a red shirt at some point this summer."
Farrell represented the Lions on the 2013. 2017 and 2021 tours, racking up six test appearances.
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While he has worked his way back into the spotlight, and England contention, after announcing his return to English rugby with Saracens.
The fly-half had spent the last year in France with Racing 92, but struggled with injuries during his foray to the continent - playing just 17 times for the Top 14 outfit.
Watch as Ireland coach Andy Farrell comes off injured with son Owen replacing him during their time as teammates
During his period of ineligibility in France, Farrell was replaced as England fly-half by Fin Smith - with Marcus Smith and George Ford also battling for the position for the Red Rose.
Both Marcus and Fin Smith have been selected in the Lions squad.
Dad and head coach Andy hasn't ruled out a call-up for Owen either, keeping the door open for the experience number 10.
He said last month: "There's 38 picked, which leaves a couple of slots open for us during the track if and when needed, and Owen, like a few other guys as well, would be in that type of bracket.
"He was in the conversation, obviously, an experienced player like that who is going for his fourth tour.
"You cover all bases, that's for sure, with the leadership qualities and all of that.
"But we got to a point where, like a few other players as well, we feel that Owen's still trying to find his way a little bit back to fitness, like others.'
Andy Farrell's team will continue their tour with a match against Western Force on Saturday, hoping to return a better result than their 28-24 defeat to Argentina in Dublin last week.
The Lions' first test match with Australia is scheduled to take place on July 19.
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