Owen Farrell, the former England captain, has missed out on a place in the Lions match-day squad with Harlequins playmaker Marcus Smith preferred for a place on the bench, Telegraph Sport can reveal.

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.

Marcus Smith has defied expectations by winning a place on the bench for the British and Irish Lions’ first Test against Australia, but Owen Farrell and Henry Pollock miss out on selection.