Abbott was suspended by the Labour Party in 2023 after a letter comparing different forms of racism but was readmitted a year later.

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.

The 53-year-old, who won back-to-back Claret Jugs in 2007 and 2008, was given the honour of hitting the opening shot.