British and Irish Lions fans have been sharing some strong opinions after former England captain Owen Farrell was called up to replace the injured Elliot Daly.
Farrell has been drafted into the touring party after Daly fractured his arm in Wednesday’s victory over the Queensland Reds.
Lions head coach Andy Farrell, father of Owen, confirmed the severity of Daly’s injury.
He said: “It is heartbreaking for the group that Elliot’s tour is over.
“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
A Fourth Owen Farrell Lions Tour Despite Limited Game Time
Owen Farrell recently announced a Saracens return following a year with French club Racing 92.
The 33-year-old has re-signed with former club Sarries ahead of next season.
Farrell won 112 caps for England, but took a break from international rugby after the 2023 World Cup.
Having toured with the Lions in 2013, 2017 and 2021, he is vastly experienced.
But his call-up comes with plenty of controversy.
With no international rugby in almost two years, Farrell hasn’t played at all in nine weeks after receiving a concussion for Racing on 4 May.
And there are plenty of other players who could replace Elliot Daly.
Scotland duo Tom Jordan and Darcy Graham were among those touted to replace Daly.
As was Wales’ Blair Murray. With Tomos Williams ruled out as well, Wales captain Jac Morgan is now the only Welshman on tour.
But Andy Farrell has pointed to Owen’s experience as a key factor in selection.
“Owen was in the conversation obviously, an experienced player like that, looking for his fourth tour and with his leadership qualities,” Andy Farrell said.
Owen Farrell Lions Call-Up Divides Fans
But Owen Farrell’s selection has caused quite a stir among Lions supporters.
Some are deeply unhappy with the call-up, suggesting Farrell’s lack of playing time and form should have ruled him out of contention.
Others have argued Owen has only been picked because his father is the head coach.
One angry fan said: “Absolute joke Farrell being called up. He doesn’t even cover the positions Daly played
“It’s a kick in the nuts for some players who deserve to be there, unlike him.
“You can tell Daddy is the coach.”
Another added: “Terrible call for a litany of reasons. Hasn’t played, not a replacement for Daly, undermines your captain, tells Marcus Smith he’s surplus to requirements.
“Reeks of nepotism.”
Penny for the thoughts of Tom Jordan, Freddie Steward and Blair Murray
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) July 3, 2025
But while some have criticised Farrell’s selection, others have defended the decision to call him up.
Lions fan and one half of rugby YouTube duo Squide Rugby, Will Owen was among those excited to see Owen Farrell back in red.
He said: “HYPED. The man is a Lions legend at this point. He’s been out of action with Racing for a while but there’s nobody I trust to turn it on for test rugby like Owen Farrell.
“Was he the obvious selection to me? Maybe not. Am I his dad? Definitely not. Do I love this pick? Absolutely.”
And another supporter posted: “This isn’t nepotism, this is an experience call up.
“One of Elliott Daly’s plus points was that he was one of the few in the squad who’d been on tours before, when you lose that part way through the tour, you don’t call up someone with no Lions experience.”
Why Isn’t Owen Farrell Playing For England?
Last month, England coach Steve Borthwick explained why he didn’t consider Owen Farrell for England selection.
“No, he wasn’t part of the plan [for England’s summer tour to Argentina]”, said Borthwick.
“Owen has been on record saying he just wants to get back playing and get settled with his family back in Hertfordshire, and we wish him all the best with that.”
Farrell was ineligible for England selection while playing in France.
That’s because the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has a strict policy of only selecting players for England who play their club rugby on home soil.
However, with Farrell’s return to Saracens, he has now become eligible to be picked for England once again.
