Andy Farrell says that Owen will be involved “soon enough” but made clear he was coming to compete for a place in the three-Test series against the Wallabies that begins on July 19 in Brisbane.

Farrell junior's sometimes abrasive attitude has often divided opinion, even in England, and the decision to call him up will certainly not be popular with some fans of Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Owen Farrell 'will be called up to the Lions squad' by his father Andy, the head coach for the ongoing tour of Australia. It is a surprising and controversial development.