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.
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 has not played international rugby in nearly two years and has not 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.
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,” he said.
Last month England head coach Steve Borthwick confirmed Owen Farrell was not considered for England’s summer tour to Argentina, despite his return home making him eligible again.
“Owen has been on record saying he just wants to get back playing and get settled with his family back in Hertfordshire, and we wish him all the best with that,” Borthwick told Rugby Union Weekly.
