England playmaker Owen Farrell has been added to the British & Irish Lions squad ahead of Saturday’s match against the NSW Waratahs.
Farrell was called up by coach and dad Andy after a broken arm to fullback Elliot Daly ruled the English star out for the rest of the tour.
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Daly made his 11th straight appearance for the Lions in Wednesday’s win over the Queensland Reds, before coming off clutching at his wrist.
The Saracens outside back was called into the side late after Hugo Keenan was ruled out due to injury.
The announcement was made on Thursday, with Farrell set to join the squad in Sydney on Friday evening.
“It is heartbreaking for the group that Elliot’s Tour is over,” coach Andy 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.
“Owen will now come in and add to our options and bring his own Lions experience to the group.”
“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 added.
“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.”
The 32-year-old replaces his new teammate as the fly-half returns to Saracens in 2025-26, following a stint in France with Racing 92.
The move will likely see Marcus Smith cover fullback, with Farrell battling Fin Smith and Finn Russell for a playmaker's spot.
Farrell made his debut for the Lions in Australia 12 years ago, coming off the bench in the deciding Test.
He finished the 2017 tour as the highest point scorer with 45, including 31 in the Test matches, as they drew with New Zealand.
