British and Irish Lions: Owen Farrell praises ‘tightest Lions group I’ve seen’ while playing down Test chances | Rugby Union News

Owen Farrell said Sky Sports The current team of the British and Irish lions is the “tighter he saw” in the four tours he experienced as a player.

Farrell, who was a late call for this summer tour in Australia after an injury in the forearm at Elliot Daly earlier this month, captain for the first time in his career on Tuesday when they face a First Nations and Pasifika XV in their last mid-week match.

The 33-year-old has moved away from international rugby after the rugby world cup in 2023 to prioritize his mental well-being and family, but is now in the thickness of a fourth lions tour after visiting Australia in 2013, New Zealand in 2017 and South Africa in 2021.

“I loved it, the guys were all great and we all push. It’s as tight as I saw a team, to be honest,” said Farrell Sky Sports at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

“This is the merit of what they did in the weeks that I was not there. Entering and having the impression that you can place yourself as much as I felt as if I was a testimony to the quality of the team.

“It was great to be back there [vs AUNZ]. I’m just trying to add to what these boys have already done and play my role in this.

“And I also want to take advantage of it. I did the other day and it should be even more tomorrow.

“I try to [soak it in more]I want. As I said, I loved this tour so far so I want us, and I am part of this, to start now. “”

On the privilege of putting the responsibility of Captaining The Lions, Farrell, quite naturally, reduced a frightened silhouette, although it is not attracted to the potential to force its path to the test team for the remaining matches against Australia.

“I am more focused on my work tomorrow, to be honest. Desire and stuff is because that’s what I like to do,” said Farrell.

“Doing it here with these boys and in this team is an incredible opportunity and I want tomorrow to feel like that for everyone, and that include me.

“It is obviously a huge honor [captaincy]. At the back of what the guys have done on the weekend, an excellent performance, we can’t wait to go out and support him and, hope to move forward in the second test.

“All the guys call me old per minute, especially Pollock, so it is suitable (20th appearance for Lions).

“I’m just happy to be here. I am happy to be with a large group that pushes to be the best they can be for tomorrow, then the rest of the campaign.”

Easterby: Lions Squad feeds on Owen Farrell – not a better man to direct the side

The Lions Defense coach Simon Easterby in the media on Monday:

“You can watch the team and the experience that Owen Farrell has in this. I think it is quite clear and obvious why he is the skipper.

“What he has already brought to the group since his arrival was brilliant. The guys feed on him. His wealth of experience but also his knowledge and his ability to transmit this to others have shown in the past two weeks.

“Certainly not a better man to lead this team tomorrow against the First Nations team and Pasifika.”

Visit of the British and Irish Lions in Australia on Sky Sports

Sky Sports will exclusively show the tour of the British and Irish lions in 2025 in Australia, with the three tests against the Wallabies and seven games to show exclusively live.

Howden Insurance – Senior Partner and Sponsor in front of the British and Irish lions shirt. Learn more here.