British and Irish Lions confirm Owen Farrell’s stunning call-up as ‘Lions legend’ suffers ‘heartbreaking’ setback
Injured British and Irish Lions back Elliot Daly and an inset of Owen Farrell.
Owen Farrell has been called into the British and Irish Lions squad following the tour-ending injury to Elliot Daly.
The Lions confirmed on Thursday that Daly suffered a fractured forearm in the comprehensive 52-12 victory over the Queensland Reds, a match he was not initially slated to start.
The Englishman was drafted into the starting XV following the withdrawal of Hugo Keenan, who was ill, and sustained the injury in the latter stages of the game.
Owen Farrell joins the Lions squad
It’s a crushing blow for Daly, who remarkably featured in his 11th straight matchday 23 for the British and Irish Lions.
He has been replaced in the squad by his Premiership club and country teammate, Farrell who will join the squad in Sydney on Friday evening.
The son of the Lions head coach is set to feature on his fourth tour and second to Australia.
“It is heartbreaking for the group that Elliot’s tour is over,” Lions head coach Farrell said.
“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.”
On the call-up for his son Owen, the head coach added: “Owen will now come in and add to our options and bring his own Lions experience to the group.”
Lion #780 has been called up to his fourth tour, having made 18 appearances for the Lions across the 2013, 2017 and 2021.
The 33-year-old has 112 caps for England and is his country’s record points scorer.
“To be a three-times tourist like Elliot means you have to be a world-class player over an extended period of time,” Lions tour manager Ieuan Evans said.
“But not only is Elliot a world-class player, he is also a wonderful Lion who is much-loved by his teammates and our fans.
“So we all feel for him right now. Both on and off the field, Elliot can be immensely proud of his contribution on this tour of Australia. He will be sorely missed and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
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