Luke advocates Owen return as 'class' addition

LUKE Cowan-Dickie declared “you don’t lose class” as he welcomed Owen Farrell's bombshell call-up by the British and Irish Lions.

- By DUNCAN BECH

Farrell has arrived in Sydney after being summoned by the Lions as a replacement for Elliot Daly, who has returned home because of a fractured forearm just as he was playing his way into the Test team.

Andy Farrell's decision to turn to his 33-year-old son is controversial given his last England appearance was almost two years ago and he was limited to just 17 games for Racing 92 last season because of groin surgery and concussion.

However, England’s record points scorer and captain from 2018 to 2023 brings with him vast experience, including from three previous Lions tours, and is the only player in the squad who was involved in the triumphant tour to Australia in 2013.

Cowan-Dickie believes his CV makes him a valuable addition as the Lions continue their buildup to the first Test against the Wallabies on July 19.