Lions boss Andy Farrell makes his feelings clear on calling up son Owen Farrell
03/26/2025 09:12 AM
Owen Farrell will remain eligible for the British and Irish Lions in 2025, despite his decision to leave Saracens and sign for French Top 14 side Racing 92.
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Farrell, who has spent his entire career with Saracens since debuting at 17, has agreed to a two-year deal with Racing starting on 1 July, the club confirmed.
Lions Chief: No Restrictions on Selection
Lions chief executive Ben Calveley has confirmed that Farrell’s move to France will not hinder his chances of Lions selection. “We don't have a policy that closes off anyone from being selected,” Calveley stated. He pointed to previous Lions tours as examples, citing players who were chosen even when not playing for their national side.
"If you just look at previous Lions tours, we've had people come on a tour who haven't been playing for a national side. Will Greenwood in 1997 is a great example. In 2021, Finn Russell was based in France, so we don't have any restrictions on selection."
WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:
THE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
- 4 x Night's accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
- 7 x Night's accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
- 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
Speculation Over Selection
Andy Farrell's appointment as British & Irish Lions head coach has reignited speculation about his son Owen Farrell's chances of making the squad. Despite Andy's track record of impartiality — famously urging Warren Gatland to pick Jonny Wilkinson over Owen for the 2013 tour — the family connection still raises eyebrows.
In the end, Owen was called up instead of Wilkinson, who had already retired from England duty and turned down Gatland's approach. But with Andy now in charge, concerns about potential bias have resurfaced.
When pressed on the issue, Andy was clear that family ties won't influence his decisions. "It's about form; it's about watching the game properly. Selection is the same as for everyone else. No different," he insisted.
As the Lions squad announcement looms, the question remains: will Owen's form secure his place, or will suspicions of favouritism continue to swirl?
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Marcus Smith set to miss out on the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour
With just over a month until the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad is revealed, the odds are showing which players are most likely to earn a spot on the prestigious tour.
Back-Three: Speed, Power, and Flair
The back-three options for the Lions are packed with dynamic talent. From powerful wingers to dependable fullbacks, the competition is fierce.
Scotland's Duhan van der Merwe is practically a lock, with odds of 1/16, while Ireland's James Lowe and Hugo Keenan also look set to make the squad. With plenty of flair and power in this group, it's going to be a tough decision for the selectors.
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5
- Tommy Freeman (England) – 4/9
- Blair Kinghorn (Scotland) – 8/11
- Mack Hansen (Ireland) – 2/1
Centre: Physicality Meets Creativity
In the centres, the Lions have a wealth of players who can bring both physicality and creativity. Ireland's Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw top the list, with Aki's odds sitting comfortably at 1/5. Scotland's Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu are also in strong contention, bringing versatility and power to the midfield.
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5
- Huw Jones (Scotland) – 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) – 8/11
Fly-Halves: The Masterminds of Attack
Fly-half is one of the most critical positions for any team, and the Lions have three top-class contenders. Scotland's Finn Russell leads the way with odds of 1/10, while England's Fin Smith and Ireland's Sam Prendergast are hot on his heels.
Russell's vision and flair will make him a key playmaker, but Smith and Prendergast bring youthful energy and composure to the table.
- Finn Russell (Scotland) – 1/10
- Fin Smith (England) – 8/15
- Sam Prendergast (Ireland) – 8/11
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