French connection Farrell opens door for son Owen to make Lions squad

Andy Farrell is ready to select players based in France for this summer's British & Irish Lions tour of Australia, including his son Owen, and may request that Top 14 clubs agree to their early release.

- Gerard Meagher

Farrell also said he will not pick players to satisfy quotas despite fears the Wales squad could be completely overlooked.

On unveiling his coaching staff for the 10-game tour, Farrell revealed he and his assistants have compiled a longlist of about 75 players that includes Courtney Lawes, who is impressing for Brive in the French second division, and is likely to feature a number of others, including Owen Farrell. The Toulouse duo of Jack Willis and Blair Kinghorn, with Kyle Sinckler, David Ribbans and Ben White, all of whom are based at Toulon, are also possibilities.

Owen Farrell has endured a difficult season with a struggling Racing 92 side and has not played for England since the 2023 World Cup bronze-medal match. He has been sidelined of late with a groin injury but appeared off the bench last Saturday as Racing pulled off an impressive victory at Clermont.