Murray Kinsella reports from Rotorua
OWEN FARRELL HAS dropped out of the Lions’ match day squad to face the Maori All Blacks through injury, ensuring a major worry for Warren Gatland ahead of the first Test against the All Blacks on 24 June.
Farrell had been named on the Lions’ bench for the clash with the Maori in Rotorua on Saturday, with Johnny Sexton starting at out-half.
However, the Lions have confirmed that Farrell will take no part this weekend due to a quad injury he suffered in training today, with Wales’ Dan Biggar instead providing cover on the bench.
It will be a huge worry for the Lions with the first Test so close, although they say it is a “grade-one quadriceps strain,” which could allow him to recover in time to face the All Blacks.
Farrell was set to be a key part of their challenge in the Test series, whether at out-half or alongside Sexton at inside centre, and having already lost Billy Vunipola and Stuart Hogg to injury, the Lions cannot afford to be without the Saracens playmaker.
While the hope is that Farrell’s quad issue clears swiftly, the Lions will provide further clarity on his injury after their captain’s run tomorrow in Rotorua.
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