Owen Farrell poised for 2025 Lions call-up after standout performance in front of his father

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 at 20:32

byRugby Rucker

Owen Farrell is reportedly set to make a sensational return to the British & Irish Lions squad — despite not featuring in Test rugby this season.

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The 33-year-old former England captain, who has been sidelined for much of the Top 14 campaign with Racing 92, is among the surprise picks in a predicted squad revealed by WalesOnline.

Farrell’s inclusion is particularly eye-catching given his international hiatus, but with his father Andy Farrell at the helm, and Johnny Sexton as part of the coaching team, his leadership and experience could prove vital in Australia. His proven track record — including being part of the Lions' last three tours — makes him a steady hand among more mercurial options like Finn Russell and rookie Sam Prendergast.

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Putting in a performance 💥 Owen Farrell kicked a drop goal within moments of his introduction to Racing 92's Challenge Cup quarter-final 👏 He helped the Parisians to a 43-40 win in front of his dad, and British & Irish Lions coach, Andy🔥

11:19 AM · Apr 13, 2025

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The predicted squad of 37 players sees a heavy Irish and English presence, with Welsh players possibly facing their lowest representation since 1993. Only five Welshmen make the cut, with Nicky Smith sneaking in due to his strong scrummaging over Pierre Schoeman.

Wales’ recent struggles — including a 17-Test losing streak — and the absence of their regions from this weekend’s European semi-finals has undoubtedly hurt their chances. Nonetheless, Jac Morgan, Taulupe Faletau and Tomos Williams have impressed enough to earn spots.

Here’s Wales Online's full predicted squad:

Predicted 2025 Lions Squad

Back-three:

James Lowe (Ireland)
Tommy Freeman (England)
Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
Mack Hansen (Ireland)
Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
Blair Kinghorn (Scotland)

Centres:

Bundee Aki (Ireland)
Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)
Huw Jones (Scotland)
Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
Tom Jordan (Scotland)

Fly-halves:

Finn Russell (Scotland)
Sam Prendergast (Ireland)
Owen Farrell (England)

Scrum-halves:

Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
Alex Mitchell (England)
Tomos Williams (Wales)

Back-row:

Caelan Doris (Ireland)
Tom Curry (England)
Ben Earl (England)
Jac Morgan (Wales)
Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
Josh van der Flier (Ireland)

Second-row:

Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
Maro Itoje (England – Captain)
Ollie Chessum (England)
Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)

Hookers:

Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
Ronan Kelleher (Ireland)
Luke Cowan-Dickie (England)

Props:

Andrew Porter (Ireland)
Ellis Genge (England)
Nicky Smith (Wales)
Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
Will Stuart (England)

Jim Telfer names 12 England stars in Lions squad – Marcus Smith misses out

The former Lions coach, who famously delivered the spine-tingling ‘Everest’ speech on the 1997 tour, opted for three players per position in a balanced selection for Scottish Rugby News.

And while some inclusions were expected, Telfer hasn’t been afraid to raise eyebrows, especially with some bold calls in the backline.

Genge leads the English charge up front

Ellis Genge is a nailed-on pick at loosehead, joining Ireland’s Andrew Porter and Scotland’s Rory Sutherland.

Despite fitness concerns, Luke Cowan-Dickie is also included at hooker. There’s no England tighthead in the squad — a rare omission.

In the second row, Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum are both in, underlining their continued importance at international level.

Back-row packed with English muscle

Telfer has gone heavy on Englishmen in the back-row — naming Ben Earl and Tom Curry at blindside, with Ben Curry making the cut at openside alongside Josh van der Flier and Jac Morgan.

There’s no room for Zach Mercer, Sam Underhill, or Alex Dombrandt, despite all being part of the England conversation at various points.

Surprise call-ups out wide

Perhaps the biggest surprise is the selection of Tommy Freeman and Tom Roebuck on the wing, with both making huge impressions in the Premiership this season.

They’re joined by Fin Smith at fly-half and George Furbank, who has quietly impressed, as one of three full-back options.

Alex Mitchell is the sole English scrum-half picked, with no room for Danny Care or Harry Randall.

No Farrell, Marcus, or Steward

Shockingly, there’s no Owen Farrell, Marcus Smith, or Freddie Steward — three players who’ve carried the England backline for much of the last few years.

“Any selections should be based on the quality of the player,” Telfer told Scotland Rugby News.
“Not the name on the jersey. Some will disagree – but this squad can win in Australia.”

Full: Jim Telfer’s 45-man British & Irish Lions squad

Props
Loosehead: Ellis Genge (ENG), Andrew Porter (IRE), Rory Sutherland (SCO)
Tighthead: Tadhg Furlong (IRE), Finlay Bealham (IRE), Zander Fagerson (SCO)

Hookers
Luke Cowan-Dickie (ENG), Dan Sheehan (IRE), Dewi Lake (WAL)

Locks
Maro Itoje (ENG), Ollie Chessum (ENG), Joe McCarthy (IRE), Tadhg Beirne (IRE), Dafydd Jenkins (WAL), Scott Cummings (SCO)

Back Row
Blindside: Tom Curry (ENG), Ben Earl (ENG), Jamie Ritchie (SCO)
Openside: Josh van der Flier (IRE), Ben Curry (ENG), Jac Morgan (WAL)
Number 8: Caelan Doris (IRE), Jack Conan (IRE), Taulupe Faletau (WAL)

Scrum-halves
Jamison Gibson-Park (IRE), Alex Mitchell (ENG), Tomos Williams (WAL)

Fly-halves
Finn Russell (SCO), Fin Smith (ENG), Sam Prendergast (IRE)

Centres
Inside Centre: Bundee Aki (IRE), Sione Tuipulotu (SCO), Ben Thomas (WAL)
Outside Centre: Garry Ringrose (IRE), Huw Jones (SCO), Robbie Henshaw (IRE)

Wingers
Right Wing: Tommy Freeman (ENG), Darcy Graham (SCO), Tom Roebuck (ENG)
Left Wing: James Lowe (IRE), Duhan van der Merwe (SCO), Kyle Steyn (SCO)

Full-backs
Hugo Keenan (IRE), Blair Kinghorn (SCO), George Furbank (ENG)

QUIZ: Can you name the 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?

12 years have passed since Warren Gatland’s men roared to a famous series win over Australia, but how well do you really remember the iconic 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?

From legendary leaders to surprise selections, we’ve lined up every player from that unforgettable tour. All you have to do is name them. No pressure, right?

Take the quiz below and prove your rugby brain still bites.

? Scroll down and get cracking – how many can you get without cheating?

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