Owen Farrell to link up with dad Andy after surprise Lions call-up

Owen Farrell has been given a surprise call-up to join the British and Irish Lions' tour of Australia, stepping in for the injured Elliot Daly.

The Lions have been dealt a blow with the news that Daly, who has been in top form during the Australian tour, will be sidelined for the remainder of the tour due to a fractured forearm sustained in Wednesday's 52-12 triumph over Queensland Reds.

Instead of opting for a like-for-like replacement such as Blair Murray from Wales or Scotland's Tom Jordan, head coach Andy Farrell has chosen his 33 year old son to plug the gap in his squad.

It is a controversial decision given Farrell’s most recent Test appearance was in the bronze medal match at the 2023 World Cup, while his ill-fated 2024-25 season with French club Racing 92 was undermined by injuries and indifferent form.

“It is heartbreaking for the group that Elliot’s tour is over,” Andy Farrell said.

“He’s a Lions legend who has added so much to the group on and off the field over the past few weeks and over the course of three tours.

“Owen will now come in and add to our options and bring his own Lions experience to the group.”