Lions Tour: Owen Farrell called up to squad in Australia
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Owen Farrell has been given a shock call-up to the British and Irish Lions squad to replace the injured Elliot Daly.
The former England captain has been drafted in by head coach and father Andy Farrell for their tour of Australia following Daly's arm injury against the Queensland Reds.
Farrell has not played international rugby since 2023 after taking a break after the 2023 World Cup and recently returned to Saracens after a difficult season at Racing 92 in France.
Still, the 33-year-old brings a wealth of experience after being part of the 2013, 2017 and 2021 tour squads.
The Lions play their fourth warm-up game on Saturday against the New South Wales Waratahs, with Farrell not named in the 23.
Owen Farrell Joins 2025 British & Irish Lions Squad for Australia Tour
Farrell has not played competitively for nine weeks after suffering concussion in May.
But head coach Farrell has opted to fill the gap in his backs with his son, despite him not being a natural full-back like the injured Daly.
The Lions boss said after the 52-12 win over the Reds that they had "loads of full-backs", with natural fly-half or centre Farrell bringing a new dynamic to the backline.
Scotland's Fin Russell has looked nailed on to start the first Test against Australia in Brisbane, with Bundee Aki or Sione Tuipulote at inside centre.
Fin Smith has been Russell's back-up, with England team-mate Fin Smith yet to get a chance at No10 in the Lions' three games so far.
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You can check out all you need to know as the British and Irish Lions Tour continues, including all the results and fixtures and how to bet.
Despite starting off their tour with a shock defeat to Argentina, the Lions remain the favourites to win the series against Australia, with the first Test on July 19 in Brisbane.
Following that loss in Dublin, the Lions have responded with convincing wins in Australia, beating Western Force 54-7 and the Queensland Reds 52-12.
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