Owen Farrell's Lions hopes in doubt after head injury vs Lyon

Owen Farrell’s ambitions of earning a spot on a fourth British & Irish Lions tour have taken a major blow after he suffered a head injury during Racing 92’s Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to Lyon.

The 33-year-old playmaker, featuring at inside centre for the first time this season, was forced off the field just 19 minutes into the game following a heavy collision with Lyon’s Mickaël Guillard.

Farrell did not return after undergoing a head injury assessment, and his condition will now be closely monitored ahead of the Lions squad announcement, which is scheduled for May 8.

The injury adds to what has been a turbulent debut season in France for Farrell. He has made only 17 appearances for Racing 92, having already missed several games due to a groin injury that required surgery earlier in the campaign.

The switch to inside centre was aimed at easing his return and managing game intensity, but this latest setback further complicates his comeback.

With the 2025 Lions tour to Australia approaching, Farrell now faces stiff competition for the fly-half role. Several in-form rivals have made compelling cases for selection, including Finn Russell and Fin Smith—both of whom have steered their teams, Bath and Northampton Saints respectively, to European finals.

Others in contention include George Ford, Marcus Smith, Jack Crowley, and rising Irish talent Sam Prendergast.

Farrell, who has not played for England since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, stepped back from international duties citing mental health pressures and the toll of public criticism.

His move to Racing 92 was seen as an opportunity for professional rejuvenation, but injuries have continually hampered his momentum.