Brian Moore makes his feelings clear on Owen Farrell Lions call-up
Rugby NewsMonday, 12 May 2025 at 13:57
Lions boss Andy Farrell has confirmed he’s leaving two golden tickets unclaimed for this summer’s tour – and Owen Farrell’s name won’t stop coming up.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
The British & Irish Lions head coach dropped his initial 38-man squad for the 2025 tour of Australia last week – but it came with a twist. Two spots remain up for grabs, and the race to fill them is heating up.
"Owen watch" begins
Unsurprisingly, the spotlight has swung straight to Racing 92’s Owen Farrell – the coach’s own son – despite an injury-riddled season in France’s Top 14.
While Owen was left out of the original announcement, there’s a growing feeling that the door hasn’t closed just yet. And rugby pundit Brian Moore has weighed in with a warning.
Moore makes it awkward
“Most of the speculation around the ‘mystery two’ has naturally been about Owen Farrell, Andy Farrell’s son,” Moore said.
“Farrell Snr is far too professional to let personal bias influence such a huge decision – but there’s no getting around how controversial that pick would be, especially after Owen’s injury-hit year.”
Experience vs optics
Moore went on to say that if Owen is one of the two late additions, the call may already be made behind closed doors.
“His Test experience and Lions history would be the justification – but waiting to name him only stirs more debate.”
With Farrell senior keeping quiet on who’s in contention, the final two spots promise to be the most talked-about selections of the summer.
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The Unpicked XV: 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia
1. Nicky Smith (Wales)
An experienced loosehead with over 50 caps for Wales, Smith remains one of the most consistent scrummagers in the game.
2. Jamie George (England)
The veteran hooker and 2021 Lions tourist missed out this time despite being one of England's most reliable performers and a respected leader.
3. Kyle Sinckler (England)
Known for his explosive ball-carrying and fiery passion, Sinckler’s form and location overseas weren’t enough to secure a third Lions tour.
4. Jonny Gray (Scotland)
A lineout expert and tackling machine, Gray has struggled with injuries recently, ruling him out of contention for Australia.
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5. Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)
One of Scotland’s most experienced locks, Gilchrist’s leadership and work rate have been invaluable, but he misses out once more.
6. Courtney Lawes (England)
A Lions stalwart and former England captain, Lawes confirmed his international retirement earlier this year, ending his Lions journey.
7. Jack Willis (England)
A breakdown menace with a relentless engine, Willis has impressed abroad but may have missed out due to playing outside the UK.
8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
One of the finest No.8s of his generation, Faletau has been sidelined through injury, robbing him of a potential fourth Lions tour.
9. Ben White (Scotland)
Scotland's first-choice scrum-half has been a steady performer internationally, but couldn't edge out the fierce competition for the Lions.
10. Owen Farrell (England)
The former Lions captain and England centurion ruled himself out of international duty in late 2024, prioritising family and mental wellbeing.
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
A breakout star of the 2024 Six Nations, the young wing lit up the tournament but narrowly missed selection on this occasion.
12. Robbie Henshaw / Manu Tuilagi (Ireland/England)
Both powerhouse centres boast extensive Lions pedigree. Henshaw’s injury woes and Tuilagi’s patchy form ultimately saw them miss out.
13. Henry Slade (England)
One of the most elegant and versatile backs in the northern hemisphere, Slade is again overlooked despite consistent form.
14. Darcy Graham (Scotland)
The dynamic utility back has added polish to his raw talent but couldn’t squeeze into the highly competitive Lions back three.
15. George Furbank (England)
A confident and elusive fullback, Furbank’s excellent form under Steve Borthwick wasn’t quite enough to force a late inclusion.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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