JOHNNY Sexton jumped to the defence of Lions boss Andy Farrell for calling up his son Owen.
Owen, who has not played Test rugby for England since 2023, got the nod to join his fourth Lions tour from his dad when Elliot Daly was crocked.
It sparked a social media meltdown and was slammed by former Lions Dan Biggar and Brian Moore plus Wallaby motormouth David Campese.
But Ireland legend Sexton — who is on the tour as an assistant coach to boss Farrell like he will do with Ireland — was quick to defend the call.
Sexton revealed: “As you’d expect with someone with that experience, he’s fitted in.
“He’s hit the ground running, so it’s great to see. He must have had the playbook on the plane on the way over because he came in and he’s not missed a beat.
“He’s been on top of things in training and that’s exactly why you pick someone with experience who knows about a Lions tour because it might take someone else ten days to fit in.
“Experience is experience. How could you not bring him? He’s a world-class player. Look at what he’s won.
“He’s not just a guy who has hung on to the coat-tails of other people. He’s the one who has been driving those teams.
“He’s been fantastic to have in camp and I’m sure he’s going to add loads for the rest of the tour.”
The Lions face the Brumbies this morning in Canberra — with the newcomer left out.
But he trained at No 12 with the second team yesterday before doing kicking and extra fitness sessions at the stadium.
Lions skipper Maro Itoje hailed the presence of Farrell — who he has battled with throughout his career for England and Saracens.
And Itoje does not fear he will try to muscle into his captaincy in Australia.
He said: “It’s about how we can get the best result as a collective.
“That’s all I care about and I know Owen is exactly the same. Sport is never about ego.
“I want people to have their voices heard and contribute in a positive way.
“It’s never about me, if I’m captain, having the final say or sticking my chest out or anything like that.
“I have a very good relationship with him and he just wants us to do well.”
LIONS (v Brumbies): Kinghorn; Freeman, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Russell, Gibson-Park; Genge, Sheehan, Furlong, Itoje (capt), McCarthy, Chessum, Curry, Conan. Reps: Kelleher, Porter, Stuart, Van der Flier, Pollock, Mitchell, M Smith, Hansen.
