Lions boss Andy Farrell confirms squad departures with immediate effect

Wednesday, 23 July 2025 at 18:13

bySteven Smith

Andy Farrell confirmed he’ll be trimming his squad today, with several recent call-ups set to return home.

With the second and third Tests looming, Farrell has made it clear that players not in the selection frame will be heading for the departure lounge.

Farrell said: “You have to assess how long it will take you to get someone over. But to get to this late stage and call for guys from the other end of the world and to get them here to cover or to be part of the matchday takes time.”

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While he’s open to further reinforcements if injuries hit, particularly in specialist roles, the plan for now is to streamline the group.

One player not in the same boat is Darcy Graham, who was called in as direct injury cover for Mack Hansen.

“Darcy was different because we had an injury [to Hansen],” Farrell explained. “He was next cab off the rank. He'll have a scan in the morning.”

The boss also issued updates on several walking wounded, including Hansen himself.

“He is progressing, but whether he is progressing quick enough, we will see towards the end of the week. We have got a day off tomorrow, so it gives us a bit of space,” Farrell said.

Marcus Smith appears to have come through Tuesday’s win in Melbourne unscathed after an HIA.

“He's passed everything,” Farrell confirmed. “He's fine.”

As for Joe McCarthy, who limped off early against the Wallabies with plantar fasciitis, there’s cautious optimism.

“Joe hasn’t trained so far with the nature of the week, which is a bit different,” Farrell said. “So we will see how he is on Thursday; hopefully, he might be in contention, but we will see.”

PLAYERS HEADING HOME:

1. Fin Smith –
The Flare with a Flaw

Showed flashes of class with ball in hand. His bullet pass set up Graham’s try, and a subtle offload paved the way for van der Merwe’s. Also worked hard defensively, making 15 tackles — joint most among Lions.

But a few missed conversions and errors at key moments dented his impact. With Russell and Farrell firmly ahead of him, Smith could easily be heading home as the squad tightens.

2. Tom Clarkson – The Quiet Enforcer

Did the gritty stuff well. The Irish prop held the scrum steady and drove hard into contact a few times. Nothing flashy, but the kind of shift coaches love.

3. Ewan Ashman – The Blink-and-You’ll-Miss-Him Hooker

Limited minutes and few chances to shine. Didn't put a foot wrong, but didn’t do enough to push for a Test spot either.

4. Jamie Osborne – Late Call-Up, Early Plane?

Turned heads with two tries and constantly threatened with ball in hand. Showed bravery under the high ball and looked sharp throughout.

Despite the breakout performance, he’s expected to head home — but will return with his stock much higher.

5. Gregor Brown – Cousin Cameo

The cousin of Blair Kinghorn made a tidy appearance off the bench. Solid in defence, no glaring errors, but didn’t do quite enough to justify holding a spot as the tour narrows.

6. Rory Sutherland – Scrum-Only Sighting

Another late-game cameo. Anchored the set-piece well but made no real dent elsewhere. May not get another shot.

7. Darcy Graham – Heartbreaker on the Wing

The Scottish flyer, called in just last week, made an immediate impact with a slick finish for the Lions' second try. But just 17 minutes in, he left the pitch with a foot injury.
Now in a protective boot and awaiting scans, his tour is almost certainly over.