British and Irish Lions call up former England captain Owen Farrell

Pallade Veneta - British and Irish Lions call up former England captain Owen Farrell

SPORTS 03.07.2025

British and Irish Lions call up former England captain Owen Farrell / Photo: ROMAIN PERROCHEAU - AFP

Former England captain Owen Farrell received a shock British and Irish Lions call up Thursday after utility back Elliot Daly was ruled out of their Australia tour with a fractured arm.

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The 33-year-old, a three-time Lions tourist and son of coach Andy Farrell, earned the last of his 112 Test caps at the 2023 World Cup and has not played any rugby for nearly nine weeks.

But the fly-half is a proven international performer and his father said when he announced the initial 38-man squad that he could be an injury replacement.

"All set for his fourth Lions tour, Owen Farrell will join the squad in Sydney," the Lions said on social media.

The versatile Daly was forced off during the second half of the Lions' 52-12 victory over Queensland Reds on Wednesday, with X-rays revealing a fractured forearm.

It is their second injury setback since arriving in Australia for their nine-match tour on June 22.

Experienced Welsh scrum-half Tomos Williams pulled a hamstring during their opening clash with Western Force and is also out of the tour.

Toulon and Scotland's Ben White has joined the squad as replacement.

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Pallade Veneta - British and Irish Lions call up former England captain Owen Farrell