- Elliot Daly suffered a fractured forearm in Lions’ victory over the Reds
- He is set to be replaced in the squad by Owen Farrell despite different positions
- Andy Farrell, Owen’s father, had previously teased that call-up was possible
Owen Farrell is on his way to Australia to join up with the Lions as a replacement for his Saracens team-mate, Elliot Daly, who has been ruled out of the tour with a fractured forearm.
The 33-year-old former England captain has been called up by his father, Lions head coach Andy Farrell, despite missing the end of an injury-ruined season at Racing 92 due to a concussion and having not played international rugby since the 2023 World Cup.
Farrell Jr stood down from national service after that tournament to protect the mental well-being of himself and his young family, having been booed by England fans during the showpiece event in France.
Daly is the victim of a savage twist of fate, having stepped in at short notice to start at full-back against Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Wednesday, when Hugo Keenan was withdrawn due to illness. Once again, Daly demonstrated majestic form – as he had done against Argentina and Western Force – only to damage his left arm attempting to make a tackle in the second half at Suncorp Stadium.
Having gone for an X-ray, his worst fears were realised and his dreams of being involved in a third consecutive Test series for the Lions have been cruelly shattered. Andy Farrell said: ‘It is heartbreaking for the group that Elliot’s tour is over.
‘He is a Lions legend who has added so much 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.’
Owen Farrell (right), pictured working as pundit for the Lions’ Argentina game, has been called up to the squad by his head coach father, Andy (centre)
The father-son duo are pictured back in 2017 on the Lions tour of New Zealand
Elliot Daly is expected to be confirmed as out of the rest of the tour with a broken arm
For Owen Farrell, this will be a fourth Lions tour and he has previously made 18 appearances for the British and Irish side in 2013, 2017 and 2021. He has amassed 112 caps for England and is the country’s record points-scorer.
However, he has played very little rugby in 2025 and may have to prove his fitness on arrival in Australia before being hurriedly integrated.
Meanwhile, Ireland lock Tadhg Beirne will lead a rotated Lions line-up against the Waratahs here on Saturday, with late arrival Blair Kinghorn named to start on the wing.
Northampton pair Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith will combine at half back while Scotland centre pair Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones will resume their familiar midfield alliance.
England rookie sensation Henry Pollock will demonstrate his versatility by operating at blindside flanker, having already started at No 8.
