Owen Farrell returns to Lions bench. Andy Farrell makes 3 changes to starting XV for second test

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Owen Farrell has been selected on the bench in a British and Irish Lions overhaul for the second test against Australia that includes three changes to the starting lineup that won the first test 27-19 in Brisbane last weekend.

Farrell led the Lions in their last midweek tour game — a win over the First Nations and Pasifika squad — and is now set to make his first test appearance since England's World Cup campaign in 2023 on Saturday. He is on his fourth Lions tour.

His father, head coach Andy Farrell, recalled Bundee Aki to start at inside center to replace Sione Tuipulotu in the only change to the starting backline.

England's Ollie Chessum was drafted in to partner skipper Maro Itoje as a replacement for injured Ireland lock Joe McCarthy and Andrew Porter replaced Ellis Genge at loosehead, giving the Lions an all-Ireland frontrow.

Joining Owen Farrell on the bench will be Jac Morgan, restoring a Welsh player to the test squad after an historic absence last weekend.

Ireland midfielder Garry Ringrose was a late exclusion from the second test starting lineup after reporting symptoms of concussion, allowing Huw Jones to retain his spot at outside center. Ringrose missed the first test for similar reasons.

“We have put ourselves in a good position after the first test, but we know there will be a massive reaction from this Wallaby team,” Andy Farrell said. “We will have to be a lot better than we were last week.”

The Wallabies need a win on Saturday in Melbourne to keep the three-test series alive.

Australia coach Joe Schmidt made three changes to his starting pack with blindside flanker Rob Valetini and lock Will Skelton and hooker David Porecki all returning from injuries to add some size and weight. Tom Lynagh will again start in the pivotal No. 10 jersey in an unchanged backline after making his starting debut last week.

Langi Gleeson returns as forward cover on the eight-man reserves bench which only has two backs — scrumhalf Tate McDermott and utility Ben Donaldson.

Australia trailed 24-5 two minutes into the second half last week in Brisbane but rallied to close the margin to eight points.

“The squad has recovered well after a very physical first test," Schmidt said. “We took some confidence from the second half last week, but we know we’ll need to improve further against a Lions team that will bring plenty of fire to the contest.”

The Lions are now 7-0 in Australia, including the victory in the first test and wins over Super Rugby franchises Western Force,Queensland Reds, Waratahs and Brumbies and two invitational teams.

The Lions have taken leads into the Melbourne match in the last two tours to Australia in 2001 and 2013 but lost the second test there both times. In 2001, Australia rallied to clinch the series in Sydney in the third test. The Lions won the Sydney decider 12 years ago.

Squads:

Australia: Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, Len Ikitau, Harry Potter, Tom Lynagh, Jake Gordon; Harry Wilson (captain), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Nick Frost, Allan Ala’alatoa, David Porecki, James Slipper. Reserves: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Wiliams, Langi Gleeson, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson.

British and Irish Lions: Hugo Keenan (Ireland), Tommy Freeman (England), Huw Jones (Scotland), Bundee Aki (Ireland), James Lowe (Ireland), Finn Russell (Scotland), Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland); Jack Conan (Ireland), Tom Curry (England), Tadhg Beirne (Ireland), Ollie Chessum (England), Maro Itoje (England, captain), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Dan Sheehan (Ireland), Andrew Porter (Ireland). Reserves: Ronan Kelleher (Ireland), Ellis Genge (England). Will Stuart (England), James Ryan (Ireland), Jac Morgan (Wales), Alex Mitchell (England), Owen Farrell (England), Blair Kinghorn (Scotland).

AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby

Owen Farrell of the British & Irish Lions reacts following the rugby match between the Lions and the AUNZ Invitational XV in Adelaide, Saturday, July 12, 2025. (AP Photo/James Elsby)

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 22, 2025--

FORTÉ, formerly AVI Systems, today announced that Josh Braun has been promoted to Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective immediately. Braun becomes FORTÉ’s first-ever CIO, reflecting the company’s increasing emphasis on technology, security, and infrastructure as essential drivers of growth.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251222306503/en/

As CIO, Braun will lead all aspects of FORTÉ’s information technology and digital infrastructure – including security, internal IT support, systems architecture, and long-term technology strategy. In addition, he will oversee the IT demands of FORTÉ’s 42 U.S. locations and presence in four European countries, and guide integration planning and execution as the company continues to expand.

“We are excited to elevate Josh to the new role of CIO,” said Jeff Stoebner, Chairman and CEO of FORTÉ. “Since joining in 2016, Josh has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to strengthening FORTÉ’s technology environment. Establishing the CIO role, and appointing Josh to the position, is a natural step as we continue to scale and invest in technology as a strategic advantage.”

Braun joined FORTÉ in 2016 as Director of IT and was promoted to Vice President of IT in 2019. Throughout his tenure, he has built a strong, scalable IT foundation. His leadership has driven enhanced security protocols, improved employee tech support, and includes the implementation of modern systems that ensure reliability, efficiency, and organizational resilience.

“I’m honored to take on the role of CIO at FORTÉ,” said Braun. “Technology is a cornerstone of our company’s success. As we continue to expand globally and accelerate business initiatives, my focus is on ensuring technology remains a catalyst for scale, resilience, and exceptional experiences for both our employees and our customers. I’m excited to continue partnering across the business to shape what’s next.”

Braun is a veteran in the technology industry. He began his career in IT with South Dakota-based Daktronics. Prior to joining FORTÉ, he led global IT operations at Digital River, a Minneapolis-based eCommerce company for 17 years. A native of Rosholt, S. Dak., Braun studied Electronic Engineering at South Dakota State University. He and his family reside in Waconia, Minnesota.

ABOUT FORTÉ

FORTÉ is a leading provider of innovative communication and collaboration solutions and service, dedicated to transforming workplaces in corporate, education and government agencies. With a focus on innovation, scalability, and reliability, FORTÉ helps organizations create connected, productive environments where people, spaces, and technology work together effortlessly. FORTÉ empowers organizations with secure, future-ready systems that enhance every employee touchpoint. For more information, visit www.ourforte.com.

Josh Braun has been named Chief Information Officer at FORTÉ. Josh joined the company in 2016 and has been instrumental in advancing the company's information technology and digital infrastructure.