**Dan Biggar Raises Concerns Over Owen Farrell’s Inclusion in British and Irish Lions Squad**
British and Irish Lions tours are often fraught with selection debates, and the recent decision to bring Owen Farrell back into the squad has certainly rekindled such discussions. As Elliot Daly bows out of the tour due to a fractured arm sustained in the match against the Queensland Reds, Farrell’s name has been put forward as his replacement—a move that is notable for stirring a range of emotions across the rugby community.
Dan Biggar, the seasoned Wales fly-half and double Lions tourist, has admitted he is finding it difficult to reconcile the logic behind Farrell’s selection. Speaking candidly on Sky Sports, the 33-year-old questioned the rationale underpinning the recall: “It’s big news, but I’m struggling to get to grips with the sense of it.” This is not a questioning of Farrell’s calibre—Biggar himself acknowledged the Englishman’s stature as both a player and a leader—but it does lay bare the concerns some have over experience versus match sharpness.
Biggar pointed out that Farrell hasn’t featured in Test rugby for more than two years, nor taken to the field in any competition recently. What adds further complexity, he notes, is that Farrell’s playing positions do not directly overlap with Daly’s, meaning the squad dynamics are set to be noticeably altered. “The person he’s replacing doesn’t play in any of the same positions. So I’m just struggling to get to grips with where the sense of it is,” Biggar admitted.
Critics of the decision, including Biggar, suspect that the true motivation might lie beyond on-field roles. There is a suggestion that head coach Andy Farrell—who incidentally is Owen’s father—may be seeking to bolster the intangible elements of squad leadership and dressing room influence, perhaps in anticipation of fiercely contested fixtures ahead. As Biggar said, “Does he need some strong characters? Does he think that if it comes down to a drawn series coming into that final week, does he need strong people that have been there and done it before?”
This pragmatic, if controversial, approach does raise practical questions. With emerging talents like Marcus Smith and Fin Smith vying for fly-half responsibilities, a returning veteran could create uncertainty. Biggar empathised with their position, remarking on what the younger squad members might be feeling: “Where do they feel like they sit in the pecking order now? … Are they thinking ‘is he coming in to replace me?’”
Despite the scepticism from some quarters, others believe Farrell’s recall is precisely the sort of bold step required on a Lions tour. Jonathan Davies, former Lions centre and a past team-mate of Farrell, provided a contrasting viewpoint. “What Owen brings in is a huge amount of experience… he knows how to win a series, and I don’t think there’s anyone else on tour that does.” For Davies, whose collaboration with Farrell dates back to the memorable 2017 tour, this wealth of knowledge is invaluable both on and off the pitch.
Davies emphasised not only Farrell’s ability to execute play, but also his knack for elevating those around him. “When I played with him in 2017, he gave me confidence to really execute my roles… There’s no grey areas with Owen.” Davies further suggested that if Farrell ultimately misses out on a place in the Test matches, his influence as a training leader could be central to maintaining focus within the wider squad.
It is clear that the Lions management faces a delicate balancing act: blending the vibrancy of youth with the assuredness of veterans, all whilst managing high expectations. While concerns linger about positional depth—particularly in the back three following Daly’s injury—many regard off-field harmony and leadership as equally important components to success on the road.
As the squad prepares for its next challenge, attention will turn to how the Lions integrate Farrell, and whether his presence becomes the decisive factor in the pursuit of series glory—or a well-intentioned gamble. The debate continues amongst players, pundits, and fans alike, underscoring just how much passion and intrigue these treasured tours ignite throughout the rugby world.