Wales and Lions legend Jamie Roberts believes England legend Owen Farrell could see himself take a place up in the Lions squad despite not being picked in their official 38-man squad.
Owen, the son of the current Lions boss Andy Farrell, took a step back from England duties after moving to Parisian side Racing 92 – rendering himself illegible for an England call-up while he’s under contract in France.
But despite being unable to play for the Red Roses, he had the opportunity to take up the red shirt with the British and Irish Lions as they don’t follow the same rule.
Farrell has struggled to make a mark during his time across the Channel, picking up a groin injury and failing to deliver some top performances, leading Lions coach and father to leave him out.
But speaking to Express Sport, two time Lions tourer Roberts told fans not to rule out seeing him in the squad during the tour.
Asked if it was the right decision to leave Owen out of the squad the former Welsh international said: “Don’t be surprised if he’s not there come the end of the tournament.
“Owen, he’s a test-match animal, a supremely gifted rugby player and a warrior who’s been there at the top level for club and country, so if he does need to call on experience, if there is an injury in the squad there’s no doubt he’ll be in the conversation.”
The titan of Welsh rugby appeared as Lions title sponsor, Howden, revealed a giant striking painted Lion mural, with the names of the newly announced squad on the side of a London building.
Howden’s mural which was being completed live as the squad was read-out appears just off Aldgate East underground station in East London and will remain up the next 10 days until May 18.
With Farrell likely already on the standby list, Roberts added: “There’s a guy coming at the end of the test series. There are some big games. If there are some big games, it’s hard to look past him. I know he’s got the experience of Johnny Sexton in a coaching capacity. Don’t be surprised to see when they come to the end of the trip”
But with Lions already boasting some strong fly-halves, Farrell is in tough competition. At the official announcement this afternoon, the “two Fin’s”, Scott Finn Russell, and Northampton’s Fin Smith, look likely to take a very competitive number 10 spot.
Farrell Snr seems to have favoured form over experience in his Lions squad, with Russell and Smith both impressing at their clubs, and with his son’s lack of international play time since stepping away to “prioritise his and his family’s mental well-being” in November 2023, seems to have been the final nail in the coffin.
Andy Farrell told ESPN: “Owen was in the conversation obviously, an experienced player like that, looking for his fourth tour and with his leadership qualities.
“But it got to a point, like with a few others, where he is still trying to find his way back to fitness.
“There are 38 picks, which leaves a couple of slots open for us down the track, if and when needed. Owen and a few other guys would be in that type of bracket.”
The physical nature of the sport has led to the standby often being used and has often made an impact. This tour could be more crucial than ever.
The introduction of stand-byes is something Roberts believes is more of a certainty: “History will tell you that players will get injured, if not in the next month, over the course of the tour, so there will be players flying out.”
HOWDEN CELEBRATES THE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT WITH STRIKING MURAL Lions legends Brian O’Driscoll, Gavin Hastings and Jamie Roberts join unveiling of hand- painted tribute to the newly named 2025 squad