Owen Farrell is not playing today because he has not yet completed the return- to-play protocols following a concussion he suffered in May 2025. He was called up controversially to the British and Irish Lions tour as a replacement for Elliot Daly but is unlikely to be available for the early games, including the match today. His Lions coach, Andy Farrell, indicated that Owen will need more time to recover from concussion effects, deal with jetlag, and regain full fitness before returning to play, suggesting the current match is too soon for him. In summary, Owen Farrell's absence today is primarily due to concussion recovery and fitness protocols that are still in progress after a significant layoff since his last game in early May 2025.
