British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell faced rigorous questioning from a substantial contingent of media following his decision to include his son Owen in the touring squad in Sydney.
Owen is set to arrive in Australia on Friday, stepping in for England teammate Elliot Daly after the latter sustained a broken arm during the Lions’ 52-12 victory over the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Wednesday evening.
At first glance, Owen’s inclusion seems uncontroversial.
Andy Farrell engages with the media at the Intercontinental Hotel. Getty
At 33, Owen is regarded as one of England’s finest players, sitting second on the all-time Test points leaderboard with 1271, behind only New Zealand’s Dan Carter (1598).
However, he hasn’t participated in international rugby since the 2023 Rugby World Cup and suffered a concussion in his last outing on May 4 while playing for Racing 92.
Owen’s reputation for aggressive tackling, at times leading to high tackles, has drawn criticism from many fans in Ireland, Wales, and Scotland.
His position as a No.10 vulnerable to injury raises eyebrows, particularly as Daly primarily plays as a fullback, with potential to cover wing and outside centre.
While Andy’s media briefing was intended to discuss selections for Saturday’s match against the NSW Waratahs, Owen’s inclusion dominated the conversation, with the press pack of over 30 journalists posing ten questions exclusively about it.
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Farrell was queried regarding criticisms from some Lions supporters.
In 2023, he condemned the “disgraceful circus” that ensued after Owen received a red card for a high tackle against Wales.
“I hope people can move on from that,” Farrell stated during Thursday night’s press conference at the luxurious Intercontinental Hotel.
“There’s been a lot of nonsense surrounding that for a while. It’s in the past; we need to let go and embrace what the Lions are all about and what lies ahead.”
Owen decided to step back from international rugby post-2023 World Cup to focus on the mental well-being of himself and his family.
“The timing must be right for him, first and foremost, as well as for the squad,” Andy remarked.
Owen Farrell of England chats with Andy Farrell of Ireland. Getty
“We firmly believe the timing is right for us to progress, not just in Owen’s career but in our overall aims with the Lions,” Andy added.
The Lions have had a strong start to their tour in Australia, with Scotland’s Finn Russell excelling as the anticipated Test No.10.
Owen’s entry into the squad could prove to be a significant distraction.
Andy Farrell at the Intercontinental Hotel. Getty
“Owen Farrell is joining the British and Irish Lions, sparking widespread shock and a singular burning question: Why?” Chris Foy from the Daily Mail commented.
“It’s perplexing. This remarkable call-up carries significant ramifications. Firstly, the 33-year-old is set to replace the sidelined Elliot Daly, who plays primarily in positions 11, 13, or 15, while Farrell Jr is a No. 10 or 12.”
“Many speculate that he was always meant to be called up once any back outside of scrumhalves was sent home.”
Nevertheless, Andy emphasised that Owen would be treated like any other team member.
“If he didn’t have a chance, what’s the point? Everyone should be competing—that’s what the group desires,” Farrell said.
“It’s crucial for us at this moment with Elliot out and Blair (Kinghorn) stepping in. We’ve got various options for 15, wing, and centre positions. Our vulnerability lies around the 12 position, where Owen has experience, along with his capabilities at 10. Elliot’s experience isn’t just about playing; it’s about how he enhances group dynamics, the informal chats that help foster unity, and Owen can certainly contribute in that regard.”
Andy described Daly’s injury as “heartbreaking”, while remarking that Owen had “no hesitation in accepting the call-up.”
“He didn’t break down like Finlay (Bealham),” he jested.
Owen Farrell of England prepares for the haka. Getty
“That’s the nature of your fourth tour. He’s thrilled, as is everyone else. It was a brief conversation and he simply said, ‘Yep, OK, I’ll get ready, I’ll pack my bags.’”
Ireland lock Tadhg Beirne will take on the captaincy for the Lions against the Waratahs.
Winger Blair Kinghorn, fullback Hugo Keenan, and reserve halfback Ben White will all make their debuts with the Lions.
Keenan was withdrawn from the Queensland match due to illness, which led to Daly’s selection and subsequent misfortune.
Kinghorn only joined the Lions on Monday after celebrating Toulouse’s Top 14 title win the previous weekend.
White arrived this week following the tour-ending injury to Tomos Williams.
Northampton teammates Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith will be the halves, with Scottish pair Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones at centre.
Tuipulotu’s brother Mosese is a former Waratahs player.
Canberra natives Bealham and Mack Hansen will start at tighthead prop and on the right wing, respectively.
WARATAHS (15-1): Lawson Creighton, Andrew Kellaway, Lalakai Foketi, Joey Walton, Darby Lancaster, Jack Bowen, Teddy Wilson, Hugh Sinclair (c), Charlie Gamble, Rob Leota, Miles Amatosero, Fergus Lee-Warner, Taniela Tupou, Ethan Dobbins, Tom Lambert
Reserves: Mahe Vailanu, Jack Barrett, Daniel Botha, Matt Philip, Jamie Adamson, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Henry O’Donnell
BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS (15-1): Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, Blair Kinghorn, Fin Smith, Alex Mitchell, Ben Earl, Josh van der Flier, Henry Pollock, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne (c), Finlay Bealham, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Pierre Schoeman
Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Ellis Genge, Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarthy, Scott Cummings, Jac Morgan, Ben White, Marcus Smith
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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