Owen Farrell Captains British and Irish Lions in 2025 Australia Tour Midweek Match

Owen Farrell has been named captain of the British and Irish Lions for their midweek match against the First Nations and Pasifika XV in Melbourne, marking a significant return to the Lions after a period away from international rugby. Farrell, who joined the tour as a late injury replacement and has not played a full Test in 20 months, expressed mixed feelings about the intense public scrutiny and polarized opinions he provokes, describing both praise and criticism as a "poison." His appointment as captain, made by head coach and his father Andy Farrell, has sparked controversy among fans, some of whom view it as a slight against other players like Wales captain Jac Morgan. The Lions squad for the match includes several notable players from Scotland, Ireland, England, and Wales, with the coaching staff open to changes ahead of the final two Tests against Australia. Andy Farrell emphasized the importance of this fixture as an opportunity for players to demonstrate their readiness and competitiveness for Test selection, highlighting the challenge posed by the talented First Nations and Pasifika team. The game is set to be broadcast live, underscoring its significance in the ongoing Lions tour.