Owen Farrell’s curveball call-up by the British and Irish Lions has been welcomed by his new teammates as the former England captain was praised for his high standards and leadership qualities.

David Campese, the legendary Australia wing, has labelled Owen Farrell’s call-up to the British and Irish Lions squad “a weak pick by daddy” in a savage tirade against head coach Andy Farrell.

Dan Biggar has questioned the logic behind Owen Farrell ’s surprise call-up to the British and Irish Lions squad, with the former Wales fly half claiming the decision “doesn’t really make sense”. Farrell has been summoned to join the touring party in Australia after Saracens teammate Elliot Daly fractured his forearm against the Queensland Reds.