Owen Farrell’s call-up to the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia could be a “masterstroke”, says former England scrum-half and Danny Care.
Care, a long-time half-back partner of Farrell for England, backed the decision for Lions head coach Andy Farrell to call up his son, despite his injury struggles and lack of international game time.
The former England captain has replaced utility back Elliot Daly, who was ruled out of the tour after fracturing his arm in Wednesday’s win over Queensland Reds.
“Why would you not pick Owen Farrell?” Care told BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly podcast.
“Whatever position he is going to play, whatever role he’s going to play in that squad, they are only a better squad for having him there.
Care has seen first hand how Farrell sets standards both on and off the pitch.
“If Owen turns up and delivers standards and delivers a better performance from the Lions, and overall and you see a more connected team, then you have to go ‘what a masterclass and a masterstroke from the coaches’,” he added.
Farrell, 33, has not played international rugby in nearly two years and recently returned to Saracens after a difficult season in Paris with Racing 92.
The fly-half, who can also play inside centre, has not played in nearly nine weeks after a concussion ended his season early.
Once he arrives in Australia, Farrell will be the only player in the squad to have gone on four Lions tours, where he will look to add to his six Tests.
“Whatever team Owen is in he makes them better. I have no doubt in whatever shape he is, he will slot in absolutely fine,” added Care.
“I hope he hits the ground running, and everyone just gets on with it.”