Owen Farrell to link up with dad Andy after surprise Lions call-up
The Lions have been dealt a blow with the news that Daly, who has been in top form during the Australian tour, will be sidelined for the remainder of the tour due to a fractured forearm sustained in Wednesday's 52-12 triumph over Queensland Reds.
Instead of opting for a like-for-like replacement such as Blair Murray from Wales or Scotland's Tom Jordan, head coach Andy Farrell has chosen his 33 year old son to plug the gap in his squad.
It is a controversial decision given Farrell's most recent Test appearance was in the bronze medal match at the 2023 World Cup, while his ill-fated 2024-25 season with French club Racing 92 was undermined by injuries and indifferent form.
'It is heartbreaking for the group that Elliot's tour is over,' Andy Farrell said.
'He's 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.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Extra.ie
24 minutes ago
- Extra.ie
Ex-Lion says Owen Farrell selection 'doesn't make sense'
Owen Farrell's inclusion in this summer Lions tour has sparked huge debate since it was announced that the former England International would join up with the squad to replace the injured Elliot Daly. Farrell, 33, has been a part of three previous Lions tours dating back to 2013 and has had an illustrious career with Saracens, winning three Champions Cup, six Premiership titles and a Grand Slam as well as a World Cup final with England. It's not outrageous to say that Farrell is one of the best English players of all time and has been one of the best British and Irish players in the last decade. However his major dip in form since 2023 and now inclusion in the Lions squad has caught the ire of many. Owen Farrell while on Lions tour in 2013 Pic:) Farrell had by far the worst season of his career just gone as he had a disastrous spell in Paris with Racing 92. Now, the French Top 14 is one of the toughest leagues to play in the world, with any team able to beat anyone on their day and the season running on from early September to late June. However Racing and Farrell had a particularly horrid time in 2024/25. Racing and their star-studded squad languished in the bottom half of the Top 14 table for much of the season and Owen Farrell missed out on most of it as he dealt with numerous injury issues. Racing's decline would ultimately see coach Stuart Lancaster get dismissed in February, freeing him up to take the Head Coach gig at Connacht. Farrell would also cut his contract with Racing short and make a return to Saracens ahead of next season. Owen Farrell during his time at Racing 92 Pic:His inclusion has been the source to a lot of outrage online and it seems that a lot of people don't agree with Andy Farrell's decision to include his son, including an ex-Lion test starter Dan Biggar. Biggar spoke with Sky Sports about the decision and made his voice clear that he doesn't think it makes sense for Owen Farrell to be brought in as a replacement for utility back Elliot Daly. 'I mean it's big news and I'm struggling to get to grips with the sense of it. I mean no one is doubting the amazing character and amazing player with the career he has had but he hasn't played test rugby in over two years. He hasn't played any kind of competitive rugby in the last couple of months, eight or nine weeks and the person he's replacing he doesn't play any of the same positions. 'I'm just struggling to get to grips of where the sense of it is. Is Andy Farrell missing some leadership in amongst the team? Does he need some strong characters? Does he think that if it's a drawn series going into the final weekend he needs people who have been there and done it before?' Dan Biggar during the first test of the British and Irish Lions tour match in South Africa Pic: Ashley Vlotman/Sportsfile Biggar also highlighted what effect this could have on the other fly-halves on tour. Scot Finn Russell is still expected to be a test starter barring injury but the likes of Marcus Smith and Fin Smith could feel that their spot is in jeopardy following Farrell's call-up. 'I have to say it smacks a little bit for me of a lot of risk in this play and not a huge amount of reward in terms of you have Marcus and Fin Smith in there, where do they feel they sit in the pecking order? Or when they go an close the bedroom door and turn their lights off at night what are they thinking? Are they thinking 'Oh he's coming in to replace me?' 'There's lots of options in those positions and it just feels like to me that it doesn't really make sense.'
The 42
24 minutes ago
- The 42
American businessman confirmed as new owner of Athlone Town
NICK GIANNOTTI HAS been confirmed as the new owner of Athlone Town AFC. Giannotti takes over from US-based company owners Valeo Futbol Partnership. The American businessman is a co-founder of Redball Energy, a Washington-based solar company, and has served as a Director and minority shareholder of Plymouth Argyle FC. Advertisement In a statement, Giannotti pledged to be 'honest, transparent, thoughtful, and open' with supporters in his new role. 'Many of you may be skeptical, as I am not local to Athlone, but I can assure you that I am not just another disconnected, non-Irish owner,' Giannotti said. A message from Nick Giannotti. — Athlone Town AFC (@AthloneTownAFC) July 4, 2025 'I was born and raised in San Diego, California, where I grew up playing football for a club called the Nomads and won three national championships. As a teenager, I was fortunate enough to spend two summers in the Northwest of England playing with the team, witnessing firsthand the significance of football to local communities. 'My father immigrated to the United States from Italy through Ellis Island. His story echoes that of so many Irish families who made a new life abroad. My wife, whose roots trace back to Cork, also studied at university in Dublin. Together, we have two young children, and our family is proud to now become part of the Athlone community. Related Reads Bohemians are a financial monster in League of Ireland and will only get stronger Shelbourne confirm Joey O'Brien as Damien Duff's full-time successor Losing the LOI's top scorer for €30,000 shows measures clubs must take just to keep up 'Professionally, I co-founded Redball Energy, a solar company I've had the privilege to lead for over 15 years. More recently, I've had the chance to merge my professional skills and personal passion by serving as a Director and minority shareholder of Plymouth Argyle FC. Football is a lifelong passion of mine, and it is with that same energy, respect, and drive that I come to Athlone. 'While I am not from Ireland, I know how much this club means to its supporters and its town. I understand the responsibility of this role. Please know that I am not here to change Athlone's identity. I aim to honour it, to protect it, and to grow it alongside all of you.' Athlone currently sit bottom of the First Division table, having won just three of their 21 league games.
The Irish Sun
38 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Wimbledon star wins in just 55 SECONDS before issuing apology to fans
BEN SHELTON won at Wimbledon in just 55 SECONDS. The American No10 seed beat Australian Rinky Hijikata 6-2 7-5 6-4 in the second round. Advertisement 4 Ben Shelton took just 55 seconds on Friday to seal his second-round Wimbledon win Credit: Reuters 4 Shelton could not believe he was denied the chance to serve out victory last night Credit: Getty 4 It was virtually dark when the players were called off Credit: AP However, the match descended into chaos last night when play was suspended due to bad light at 9.29pm moments after Shelton let three match points go begging. That was despite Shelton leading 5-4 in the third and about to serve for the match, having not dropped his serve in the entire match. Shelton furiously protested as he was desperate to get over the finish line so he could have today as a rest day. But as he was held back from arguing with the chair umpire by a Wimbledon official in the darkness. Advertisement READ MORE ON WIMBLEDON So he made a rapid statement when he returned to No2 Court on Friday lunchtime. Shelton won four straight points - including three aces - to complete the win in bizarre scenes. And he could not help but laugh in his on-court interview, which was slightly delayed due to a technical glitch with the microphones. Shelton later told ESPN: "It was difficult (last night). Advertisement Most read in Tennis CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "At that point we knew we were playing in conditions that weren't ideal for tennis. For me it was like, 'What's one more game?' at that point. "I understand the tournament has got to make whatever decisions they have to make and the players have got to live with that. Wimbledon ball kid removed from court as umpire is forced to ask for help "For me I lived with it, came out today and did what I had to do. Advertisement "I hadn't got broken the whole match. I haven't been broken since the first set of my first match. "I felt confident coming out here to finish it and really enjoyed the way I served it out." THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video . Like us on Facebook at Advertisement 4 Shelton shook hands with Rinky Hijikata after the quickfire game Credit: AFP
