Owen Farrell is poised to miss the Lions' clash with the Brumbies due to 'protocols', his dad and Lions head coach Andy Farrell has confirmed. The younger Farrell was a controversial call-up to the squad due to his lack of England action over the last two years.

After playing for England at the 2023 World Cup, Farrell decided to take a break from international rugby and joined French club Racing 92. Playing in another country ruled him out of representing Steve Borthwick's team. But Farrell was named as a surprise reserve in the Lions squad ahead of the tour of Australia this summer. Following an injury to Elliot Daly, the 33-year-old - who has now joined Saracens - has been called up as a replacement.

However, strict 'protocols' will prevent Farrell from playing against the Brumbies next Wednesday. Dad Andy joked: "He is probably trying to stay awake. But I would think that Wednesday is too soon, as far as jetlag and protocols. I think he needs the formality-he needs to go through a phone call with someone with regards to that."

The older Farrell has received criticism from some quarters for picking his son despite his recent England exile. However, the 50-year-old denies that he took the decision without consultation with other senior Lions figures.

"There are other coaches in the conversation, it's not just me," head coach Farrell said. "Obviously, I make the final call, and I'm happy to do that, but these conversations have been going on in the background all the time about all sorts of players, and that's the call we've come to.

What we need for the squad in the here and now with Elliot going and Blair coming in, and the options we've got at 15 and the plenty of options we've got at 13 and wing, etc. We are a little bit vulnerable at 12, and obviously, he can play 10 as well, when you look at the experience that Elliot brought.

"The experience isn't just the playing side, it's how you make the group feel, the little chats that you have around the place to make sure everything gels together. Owen obviously brings a lot of that into the group.

"He is the right man for us at this moment in time and we know how well he looks after himself and prides himself on keeping himself in good nick anyway. At this stage, there are plenty of players who haven't played in a while and experience helps in knowing what you can do [to be ready]."