Andy Farrell should have no issue with picking his son Owen Farrell for next summer’s Lions tour to Australia, says Warren Gatland.
The Ireland head coach has signed on to lead the tourists in 2025 and will step back from his duties on these shores following the Autumn Nations Series next month.
Once the Six Nations comes and goes, there will be significant analysis and commentary over who will be on the plane heading Down Under.
Andy Farrell should feel no issue with picking Owen Farrell for next summer’s Lions tour, says Warren Gatland. Pic: David Rogers/Getty Images
Farrell’s son Owen has already been on three tours with the Lions and has already stated that adding a fourth would be ‘massive’ for him.
‘It’s a massive thing for any British player, but it’s a long way away,’ the 33-year-old said in the wake of his summer move to Racing 92.
Although he can no longer play for England due to playing overseas, former Lions head coach Gatland still sees Farrell as an option for the tourists.
Owen Farrell has plenty of experience with the Lions. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Is it awkward for Andy Farrell to give a coveted place in the squad? Gatland sees no issue with the potential selection.
‘I don’t envy Lions head coach Andy Farrell when it comes to the selection dilemma he could face over whether or not to pick his son, Owen, for the tour of Australia,’ the Wales boss wrote in the Telegraph.
‘I have a better understanding than most about the complexity of such a scenario, given that my son, Bryn, plays professional rugby. On the Lions tour of New Zealand in 2017, I coached against the team he was selected for, the NZ Barbarians, in our opening game.’
Warren Gatland says Andy Farrell should have no issue with picking Owen Farrell for the Lions. Pic: David Rogers/Getty Images
‘Andy, as Ireland head coach, has had plenty of experience of coaching against Owen when he was playing for England, before his move to Racing 92 this season.
‘And from my experience there has never been a problem of them working together in the same team environment after what I saw first-hand on two Lions tours to Australia in 2013 and to New Zealand four years later.
‘It is going to be fascinating to see how Andy handles the situation. You want to make it as easy as possible for both parties, whether Owen is selected or not.’
Gatland recommends that Farrell sit down with his son well ahead of the tour to see if he is interested in the tour in the first place. Given the now-former England international’s public comments, however, he seems well up for the challenge.
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