**Jac Morgan Poised to Miss Out on Lions Team as Leaked Line-Up Suggests Farrell Will Be Dropped**
Speculation is swirling ahead of the British and Irish Lions’ first Test clash against Australia in Brisbane this Saturday, after apparent leaks from within the camp have cast doubt on the inclusion of two of the squad’s best-known names. Wales’ Jac Morgan appears set to miss out on a coveted spot in the starting XV, while England’s Owen Farrell is reportedly being omitted from the matchday squad entirely.
The reported leaks, first published by The Telegraph, indicate a dramatic shake-up ahead of the side’s highly anticipated team announcement on Thursday. England international Tom Curry is expected to take a starting berth in the back row, bumping Morgan and Irish flanker Josh van der Flier out of starting contention. Curry, who was an ever-present during the last Lions tour in 2021, is understood to have retained the confidence of head coach Andy Farrell despite not hitting career-best form on tour thus far.
Farrell, who has attracted considerable attention due to his dual role as father of England centre Owen Farrell and Lions coach, seems set to make the bold decision of leaving his son out of not only the starting line-up but the matchday 23 entirely. Instead, Marcus Smith is tipped to secure a place on the bench, preferred for his ability to cover the pivotal fly-half position and offer a different dynamic from the replacements’ bench.
Also expected to line up for the Lions are England’s Ollie Chessum – valued for his versatility in both the second-row and back-row – and Ireland’s Jack Conan, the latter having been the only specialised number eight to face the media earlier this week. Conan’s media appearance now appears to have been a hint towards his likely elevation to the starting XVI, with either Morgan or van der Flier hoping for a bench opportunity.
Morgan’s omission is likely to come as a disappointment for Welsh fans, as the back-rower has delivered a string of strong performances throughout the tour. Nonetheless, Curry’s reputation as a workhorse and his established links with the coaching staff seem to have given him the inside track. Coach Andy Farrell was particularly fulsome in his praise for Curry last week, describing him as “a machine” whose tireless work both on and off the ball “makes teams tick”.
The exclusion of Owen Farrell is generating headlines across British media, with many commentators having previously tipped the versatile playmaker for at least a bench role. The unexpected call not to include him in the squad is attributed partly to a lack of depth in full-back options, with Blair Kinghorn missing due to injury and Ireland’s Hugo Keenan believed to be starting at 15.
This latest development underscores the highly competitive nature of Lions selection, especially in a year when so many established internationals are vying for limited positions. It highlights once again the difficult choices facing Andy Farrell and his coaching team as they strive to balance individual form, positional cover, and the broader needs of the team for the opening Test against the Wallabies.
Observers and fans alike will now be watching closely for Thursday’s official line-up, anxious to see whether the reported leaks prove accurate and what other surprises might be in store. The exclusion of high profile names like Morgan and Farrell may fuel debate, but the coaching staff’s focus is clearly on assembling the combination they believe most likely to secure a crucial first Test victory.
As ever, Lions selection stories command huge attention across the Home Nations. The coming days promise further intrigue as the Lions gear up for their opening challenge — and as sidelined stars look to play themselves back into contention before the tour is out.