Andy Farrell bombshell as TWO British and Irish Lions spots remain with door ajar for son Owen
England and Racing 92 fly-half Owen Farrell and an inset of British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell.
Andy Farrell dropped a bombshell after naming his British and Irish Lions squad, stating that two spots are still up for grabs.
The Lions boss made several surprising inclusions and omissions when naming his 38-man squad, but that number is to rise to 40 over the next few weeks.
Owen Farrell remains in the mix
Farrell confirmed that his son Owen Farrell is still in contention for the squad, having been left out of the initial announcement, but so are other players who can still prove their fitness.
Marcus Smith, Fin Smith and Finn Russell are three fly-halves that have been selected for the tour, with Marcus likely to feature at full-back in Australia as well.
Meanwhile, Caelan Doris also missed out on Lions selection after his injury in the Investec Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Northampton Saints. His availability is in major doubt pending further medical investigation, but he could well be one of the players Farrell has hinted at that the Lions are giving the opportunity to prove their fitness.
Owen has played 17 matches for French club Racing 92 this season since making the move from Saracens and made his return from injury in January after a lengthy lay-off.
With four matches left in the regular Top 14 season, Racing 92 have climbed to 10th place in the standings but are just nine points away from the relegation zone and three points from the play-offs.
The four remaining matches provide the former England captain with the opportunity to prove his match fitness, with Farrell able to add to his squad before departing to Australia.
“He was in the conversation, obviously,” Lions boss Farrell said at the press conference after the squad announcement.
“He is an experienced player like that going for his fourth tour, he’d cover all bases, that’s for sure with the leadership qualities and all that.
“But we got to a point where [we had to make a call], like with a few other players as well, Owen is still finding his way back to full fitness.
“There are 38 picked, which leaves a couple of spots open for us during the track if and where needed, Owen like a few would be in that bracket.”
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‘Devastated’ Doris
Commenting on Doris’ injury, Farrell added: “He’s devastated.
“He would have definitely been in the mix, such an experienced player and leader. It’s devastating for people like that but the stories are constant in every single tour, aren’t they, and sport can be cruel sometimes.
“Caelan will be back bigger and stronger.”
