British and Irish Lions: Owen Farrell set to join squad – sources

Owen Farrell is set to join the British and Irish Lions squad in Australia, sources have told ESPN.

Englishman Farrell will join the camp after utility back Elliot Daly sustained an arm injury in Wednesday’s 52-12 win over the Queensland Reds in Brisbane. He was sent for an x-ray after the match.

Farrell last played for England at the 2023 World Cup in France before he confirmed he would step away from international rugby for personal reasons. He has won 112 caps for England.

He then joined French side Racing 92, which ruled him out of playing for his country, with England players required to play in England at club level to be considered for the national side.

While this move didn’t make him ineligible for the Lions tour, he was left out of the initial squad by coach — and father — Andy Farrell in May.

In June, it was announced he would return to England and club side Saracens after one season in France, with Farrell confirming he hadn’t retired from international rugby and wouldn’t rule out playing for England again. His return to the international arena has been fast-tracked with the call up to the Lions, who face Australia in the first of three Test matches on July 19.

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