Owen Farrell will play his first match for the British & Irish Lions against an AUNZ Invitational XV, making his return after prioritizing mental wellbeing following the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Tadhg Beirne captains the Lions, with Alex Mitchell continuing his participation. As the tour’s final game before the first Test, its importance is emphasized by head coach Andy Farrell. The AUNZ squad includes skilled players like Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and David Havili, presenting a tough challenge ahead for the Lions.
Owen Farrell will feature in his first game of the British & Irish Lions tour on Saturday after being picked on the bench against an invitational XV comprising players from Australia and New Zealand in what will be the touring team's final game before next week's first Test.
The 33-year-old last played international rugby at the 2023 Rugby World Cup before stepping away from Test rugby to prioritize his and his family's mental wellbeing but is now set to play his 19th game for the Lions across four tours.
The AUNZ Invitational XV certainly does not lack for big, physical men, with the Wallaby forward Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and the New Zealand centre David Havili sharing the captaincy duties.
We are in a great position just over a week out from the first Test, said Andy Farrell, the head coach. This is the most important game of the tour because it's the next one.
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