Owen Farrell called up for British & Irish Lions duty in new role

Thursday, 12 June 2025 at 10:49

byRugby Rucker

They’ve gone from teenage sweethearts to one of England rugby’s power couples.

Owen Farrell may have been left out of the squad for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, but the former England captain will still play a major role Down Under – as part of Sky Sports’ blockbuster broadcast team.

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Farrell joins a stacked punditry line-up that includes fellow Lions legends Will Greenwood, Ronan O’Gara, Conor Murray, Kyle Sinckler, John Barclay, and Nolli Waterman, with coaching giants Warren Gatland and Sir Ian McGeechan also in the mix.

Dan Biggar, who retired from international rugby in 2023, will offer fresh insight from the commentary booth alongside the iconic Miles Harrison, while the studio will be led by two-time Lions captain Sam Warburton, bringing Monday Night Football-style analysis to rugby’s biggest stage.

Alex Payne returns as the face of the coverage, and Eleanor Roper will bring fans exclusive access from inside the Lions camp throughout the tour – from the historic opening clash against Argentina in Dublin on June 20, all the way to the final Test against the Wallabies in Sydney on August 2.

Sky is promising an immersive experience, with cutting-edge augmented reality graphics, indigenous-inspired visual design, and full 4K Ultra HD broadcast. Sky Sports Action will rebrand as

Sky Sports The Lions for each Test weekend, serving as a one-stop shop for live matches, documentaries, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Sky Sports is the only place to watch every match of the British & Irish Lions 2025 Tour of Australia in the UK & Ireland – all three Tests and six warm-up games live from June 20 to August 2. Watch on Sky Sports or available to stream with NOW.

Farrell, once the heartbeat of the Lions on the pitch, now becomes a key part of the storytelling off it – ensuring fans stay connected to the game’s biggest moments and fiercest debates.

Dan Biggar said: “A Lions tour is the absolute pinnacle, and now to be part of it with Sky is incredibly exciting. Being on the ground and sharing that passion with fans – it’s going to be special.”

Sky Sports Managing Director Jonathan Licht added: “This is the best team we’ve ever assembled for a Lions tour. From modern greats to all-time legends, this line-up will take fans closer to the action than ever before.”

The England players WAGs cheering on British & Irish Lions this summer

As the British & Irish Lions gear up for an action-packed summer tour, all eyes won’t just be on the pitch — the stands will be just as captivating.

The England players' WAGs (wives and girlfriends) are preparing to show their unwavering support, bringing glamour, style, and plenty of team spirit along for the ride.

From sun-soaked selfies to heartfelt moments of encouragement, expect these supportive partners to be a vibrant presence throughout the Lions' campaign.

Here's a closer look at the women who’ll be roaring loudest from the sidelines this summer.

Beth Dolling – Singer, Model, and Marcus’s No.1 Fan (Marcus Smith)

Fly-half Marcus Smith is dating Beth Dolling, a 25-year-old singer and model who’s worked with major brands like PrettyLittleThing and built up a sizeable social following.

She’s often snapped in glammed-up couples’ pics with Marcus, and one heartfelt post said it all: “No matter what, watching you do what you love doing makes me so proud.”

They’ve been Instagram official since June 2021, and with Beth’s fashion flair, expect some serious style moments down under.

Mimi Fall – The new Mrs Itoje (Maro Itoje)

The Lions captain has officially hung up his bachelor boots after tying the knot with long-time partner Mimi Fall – just weeks before the tour kicks off.

The towering second-row proposed during a sun-soaked getaway to Nigeria and Ghana in August 2024, popping the question at a dreamy waterside resort in Ada, just outside Accra. “It was a beautiful resort,” Maro told the Daily Mail. “I popped the question there.” Job done.

Mimi confirmed the engagement with a sparkling Instagram reveal, flashing the rock and writing: "Mrs I to be." Cue the collective swoon.

Fast forward to May 25, and the couple sealed the deal with a stylish ceremony in London’s swanky Mayfair. The snaps say it all – pure class, serious suits, and big smiles all round.

Sharing the news online, Maro wrote:
"Scripture says it is not good for man to be alone… I am no longer alone. I HAVE A WIFE. To God be the Glory!!!!"

Ashleigh Inwood – Five Years Strong with Freeman (Tommy Freeman)

Northampton flier Tommy Freeman has been dating Ashleigh Inwood for over five years. They now share a home near Northampton and a future that looks just as promising as Tommy’s England career.

Freeman recently posted a loved-up tribute: “Five years. Forever grateful for your support.”
But don’t worry — there’s still room in his heart for Fin Smith. Tommy joked to MailOnline: “Our girlfriends aren’t happy because they think we like each other more than them!”

Nancy Neath – Design Star with an Eye for Decor (Will Stuart)

Prop Will Stuart’s girlfriend Nancy Neath is a creative talent in her own right, running a successful table and floral design business that’s got serious aesthetic game.

The couple moved in together in 2023, though not without hiccups. Will revealed: “My girlfriend chose a new mattress — it’s too soft. I’ve ended up on the floor a few times tucked in a duvet.” Rugby tackles are rough, but love is tougher.

Gracie Hand - The long-term couple (Fin Smith)

Student Gracie tends to keep her private life low-key, but Fin posts adorable selfies of them together, sharing glimpses of their relationship with his followers.

Michelle Daly – From School Romance to Family Life (Elliot Daly)

Elliot Daly married longtime love Michelle in 2021 after years together and one perfectly timed proposal. The pair have now welcomed a daughter, Orla, born in July 2024.

Elliot summed it up sweetly on their anniversary: “One month ago today, I got to marry my soulmate. 10 years of knowing each other, 4 years engaged, and now finally married. My Wife.”

Can You Name Every 2021 British & Irish Lions Player?

Think you remember the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa? It’s been a few years since that brutal, bruising, and controversial Test series — but true rugby heads never forget.

RUCK’s Lions content is powered by ISUZU.

42 players were named in Warren Gatland’s final squad
The Lions won the First Test 22-17, but the Springboks hit back to win the series 2-1
The decider? A gritty 19-16 Springbok victory that still stings for many fans

Now it's time to test your memory.