Owen Farrell is set to join the British and Irish Lions squad in Australia, stepping in for the injured Elliot Daly, head coach Andy Farrell confirmed on Thursday.
Daly, who suffered an arm injury during Wednesday’s emphatic 52-12 victory over the Queensland Reds in Brisbane, was immediately sent for scans. The results confirmed he would be unable to continue the Tour.
Farrell, the seasoned England international, will fly into Sydney on Friday evening and is expected to be available for selection against the New South Wales Waratahs on Saturday. He replaces his club and international teammate Daly in the side.
“It is heartbreaking for the group that Elliot’s Tour is over,” said Andy Farrell. “He is 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.”
All set for his fourth Lions Tour, Owen Farrell will join the squad in Sydney! #Lions2025 pic.twitter.com/uSN79obHk0
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 3, 2025
Owen Farrell, Lion No. 780, is no stranger to the iconic red jersey. This will mark his fourth Lions Tour, having already clocked up 18 appearances during the 2013, 2017 and 2021 series. The 33-year-old boasts 112 caps for England and holds the record as his nation’s top points scorer.
His last outing for England came at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Shortly after, he announced a break from international duties to prioritise personal matters.
Farrell made headlines with a move to French outfit Racing 92, a decision that, due to England’s selection policy, temporarily ended his eligibility for national call-ups.
Still, this did not affect his availability for the Lions. Yet, he was initially overlooked for the squad named in May – a squad assembled by his father, Andy Farrell.
June saw another twist, with news breaking of his return to Saracens for the 2025 season. He clarified he had not retired from international rugby and was open to an England comeback.
That opportunity may now be closer than expected, as his Lions inclusion hints at a swift return to top-tier competition.
The Lions are gearing up for their first Test match against Australia on 19 July. Farrell’s experience and leadership could prove crucial in what promises to be a fiercely contested series.
