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Image source, Getty Images
Farrell has six caps for the British and Irish Lions
Rugby union correspondent
Former England captain Owen Farrell is in line for a remarkable call-up to the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.
Coach Andy Farrell is set to turn to his son as a replacement for utility back Elliot Daly, who has been ruled out with the arm injury he suffered in Wednesday's win over Queensland Reds.
Owen Farrell, 33, recently returned to Saracens after a difficult season in Paris with Racing 92.
He won 112 caps for his country before taking a break from England duty after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
A Test Lion on the 2013, 2017 and 2021 tours, there is no doubting Farrell's credentials.
But his call-up is controversial.
Farrell hasn't played international rugby in nearly two years and hasn't played at all in nearly nine weeks after suffering a concussion while playing for Racing against Lyon on 4 May, his last game for the Top 14 side.
A host of other contenders – such as Wales' Blair Murray or Scotland's Tom Jordan – have been training and preparing for competitive rugby with their national sides.
However when naming his Lions squad on 8 May, Andy Farrell confirmed Owen had been in selection contention despite his lack of international rugby.
"Owen was in the conversation obviously, an experienced player like that, looking for his fourth tour and with his leadership qualities," he said.
Image source, Getty Images
Owen Farrell was on media duties for the Lions' first game against Argentina in Dublin, where he had a warm exchange pitchside with his father
Farrell's inclusion in the squad could alter the dynamic in the Lions midfield, with the Saracens playmaker comfortable at both fly-half and inside centre.
As it stands, Finn Russell is the clear favourite to start the Test series at fly-half, with Bundee Aki or Sione Tuipulotu at inside centre.
Fin Smith had been set to be Russell's back-up, with Marcus Smith yet to get an opportunity to start in his preferred position of number 10.
Andy Farrell suggested after the 52-12 win over Queensland Reds the Lions had "loads of full-backs" even if Daly was ruled out.
However neither Blair Kinghorn or Hugo Keenan have yet to feature on tour, with Kinghorn arriving late following Toulouse's Top 14 win, and Keenan struggling with injury and illness.
The Lions play the New South Wales Waratahs on Saturday in Sydney, before meeting the ACT Brumbies in Canberra four days later.
The first Test against Australia is on 19 July in Brisbane.
