Owen Farrell sidelined as Lions prepare for first Test against Australia
- Owen Farrell, a key player for the British and Irish Lions, is absent from the first Test against Australia.
- Tadhg Beirne has been selected to start in the back row along with Tom Curry and Jack Conan.
- The lack of Welsh representation in the squad marks a historic moment for the Lions and reflects the competitive nature of the team selection.
In Brisbane, Australia, on July 19, 2025, the British and Irish Lions are set to face the Wallabies in the first of three Test matches. Owen Farrell, a veteran fly-half and key player, will not participate in this crucial match as he has been excluded from the matchday squad. This decision has allowed Marcus Smith to take a place on the bench as fly-half cover. Tadhg Beirne has been given the opportunity to start in the back row alongside Tom Curry and Jack Conan. Beirne, primarily a lock, will play on the blindside, marking a significant positional shift for him. The match will be particularly historic as it is the first time in over a century that no Welshman has been included in a Lions Test squad. Coach Farrell expressed the team's eagerness to deliver their best performance yet, especially considering the motivation and capabilities of the opposing Australian team. This Test series serves as a critical juncture in the tour, with subsequent games scheduled for Melbourne and Sydney following the Brisbane encounter. Today's lineup reflects the depth and competitiveness of the Lions squad, but with significant absences due to injury, including contenders Mack Hansen and Blair Kinghorn, the team will need to adapt to the challenges ahead. The excitement from fans is palpable as the Lions’ supporters are expected to turn out in large numbers, creating a sea of red in the stadium, further motivating the players to succeed across the tour.