Sarries star was initially named on bench, but now out altogether and a big doubt for first Test against New Zealand
Saracens fly half Owen Farrell has been ruled out of the British & Irish Lions’ tour match against the Maori All Blacks in Rotorua on Saturday with a quad strain.
The 25-year-old had initially been named on the bench for the clash, but his place in the matchday 23 has been taken by Wales international Dan Biggar.
Farrell’s injury will be a worry for the Lions, with the first Test against New Zealand next Saturday in Auckland as quad strains normally take at least 10 days to heal.
The tourists will hope there are no more injury concerns ahead of the Maori clash, though, with the other four Sarries in the squad due to start at the weekend.
Mako Vunipola has been named at loosehead prop, with club colleague Jamie George alongside him in the front row at hooker.
George Kruis and Maro Itoje, meanwhile, make up an all-Sarries second row as they form the lock partnership.
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