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.

Farrell could have dismissed out of hand a return to the international stage, given the experience he endured during the 2023 World Cup including the furore that accompanied his red card for a high tackle on Taine Basham in the warm-up game against Wales.