Andy Farrell's Lions standby list includes son amongst FIVE England stars
Rugby NewsWednesday, 18 June 2025 at 22:43
during the tour opener – but don’t be surprised if he swaps the mic for a Lions jersey before the summer’s out.
Andy Farrell has named his 38-man squad for the 2025 Lions tour to Australia – but he's left the back door wide open.
With two spaces still unfilled, the Lions boss is clearly keeping his options open, anticipating the inevitable injury curveballs that come with a brutal tour Down Under.
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History tells us those late call-ups can make a massive impact.
Back in 2013, Alex Corbisiero wasn’t even on the plane initially. Then Cian Healy got crocked, Corbs got the call, and the rest is history – starting two Tests and even dotting down in the decider.
Same story in 2009. Tom Croft was watching from the sidelines before being drafted in late – and ended up becoming one of the standout players of the tour, earning a World Player of the Year nod.
So who could be this year’s bolter?
According to
Sky Sports, here are the names currently on red-hot standby...
Standby Watch: Lions 2025
1. Owen Farrell – Fly-half/Centre (England)
Reason: Owen Farrell stepped away from England duty in 2024 and headed to Racing 92 in France – ruling him out of the Six Nations and throwing his international future into question. Despite his vast experience and status as a former Lions skipper, that break from the Test arena and potential shift in focus may have cost him a spot in the initial squad.
But don’t rule him out just yet.Farrell’s leadership, grit, and ability to cover multiple positions still make him the ultimate safety net. He’ll be in London working punditry duty for Sky Sports
Farrell resisted the temptation to include his son, but one of the big takeaways from the squad announcement was Farrell senior's comments in relation to junior.
"He was in the conversation obviously, an experienced player like that, going for his fourth Tour," Farrell told reporters. "There's 38 picked, which leaves a couple of slots open for us down the track if and when needed. Owen, like a few other guys, would be in that bracket."
So, do such comments give Owen Farrell hope of making it out to Australia?
"With everything, what I'm saying is my focus is to get myself right and get myself in a good place and everything else is hypothetical at the minute," he said. "We'll see what happens.
"Hopefully I've matured a fair bit and I've grown, so I'm looking forward to what's to come.
"I've got great people around me. I'm unbelievably lucky, whether it be family or others that have had a big impact on what I do.
"Definitely [dad Andy Farrell is his main sounding board]. Especially when you don't feel as great, you probably pick up the phone a lot more.
"My family, my mum and my dad would both be that."
2. Jamie George – Hooker (England)
The current England captain had a strong showing in the Six Nations, demonstrating his trademark leadership and set-piece precision. However, with a new generation of hookers pushing through and George now in his mid-30s, selectors may have opted for younger, more dynamic options for the Australia tour.
That said, George remains a key figure in the Lions conversation. His experience, consistency, and calm under pressure keep him high on the standby list. He’s already been involved in the training camp in Portugal, so a call-up would come as no surprise.
3. Jack Willis – Back-row (England/France)
Jack Willis’s club career at Toulouse has somewhat limited his international appearances due to RFU policy restricting overseas-based players. Yet, his impact on the field has been anything but limited.
Arguably one of the most effective breakdown operators in Europe, Willis has been a standout performer in the Top 14. Should the Lions suffer an injury to a specialist flanker, particularly one in the “fetcher” mould, Willis could be the first name dialled up.
4. Darcy Graham – Wing (Scotland)
Darcy Graham brings pure electricity to the field, with footwork and finishing ability that can turn a game on its head. Unfortunately, injuries have hampered his progress over the past year, disrupting any momentum heading into selection.
With several wings in red-hot form, Graham narrowly missed out on the main squad. But if he regains full fitness, his attacking threat makes him an ideal standby option who could slot straight in and make an immediate impact.
5. Jack van Poortvliet – Scrum-half (England)
Leicester Tigers No.9 Jack van Poortvliet has been drafted into Lions training in Dublin as cover ahead of the 1888 Cup clash against Argentina. It’s a clear sign he’s firmly on Andy Farrell’s radar.
The 24-year-old, who made his England debut in Perth during the 2022 tour of Australia, has since picked up 15 caps. Despite not making the final Lions squad, his inclusion in training speaks volumes about how close he is to a call-up.
Van Poortvliet is also part of Steve Borthwick’s England training squad preparing for a summer showdown with a France XV. Once his stint with the Lions concludes, he’ll rejoin England for their summer tour — but he remains very much on standby should the Lions need scrum-half reinforcement Down Under.
6. Craig Casey – Scrum-half (Ireland)
- Reason: The Munster man is seen as one for the future. With Conor Murray aging and Casey impressing domestically, he's on standby as a developing talent who can step in with high energy and tempo.
7. George Ford – Fly-half (England)
- Reason: A proven tactician and game manager but possibly overlooked due to Farrell’s experience and Marcus Smith’s flair. Still, Ford’s cool head and strategic kicking game make him a dependable option if needed.
8. Robbie Henshaw – Centre (Ireland)
- Reason: A 2021 Lion and long-standing midfield rock, but recent injury setbacks and the rise of players like Bundee Aki and Ollie Lawrence edged him out. Henshaw’s versatility and big-match experience earn him a place on standby.
9. Sam Prendergast – Fly-half (Ireland)
- Reason: A rising star and seen as Ireland’s long-term 10. While still inexperienced at senior international level, his raw talent and playmaking vision make him a developmental pick on standby – and a serious consideration for the future.
10. Blair Murray – Full-back (Scotland)
- Reason: A surprise name for some, Murray has shown strong form and promise with Edinburgh. Likely included for his pace, counter-attacking threat, and utility value across the back three. He's a development player who may be blooded for the next tour.
Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players #2
If you’re over 30 and can’t name these iconic rugby stars from the 2000s, we have to ask: were you really paying attention? Back by popular demand, it’s time for part two of our nostalgic quiz.
From stunning tries to unforgettable moments—and yes, some hairstyles we’d rather forget—these players were at the heart of rugby’s golden era. If the names don’t come flooding back, it might be time to fire up YouTube and relive the magic.
Think you’ve got what it takes to ace this one? Let’s find out. Good luck!
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