Sam Warburton to captain British & Irish Lions on New Zealand tour
Wales forward becomes the second man, after England’s Martin Johnson, to lead the side twice
Sam Warburton will captain the British & Irish Lions for the second time after being revealed as the leader for this year’s tour of New Zealand on Wednesday.
A photograph of Warburton in full kit alongside coach Warren Gatland and his assistants at the west London hotel where the squad will be announced later appeared on social media.
Although the announcement is yet to be made official, Brett Gosper, the chief executive officer of World Rugby, earlier tweeted his congratulations to Warburton for becoming the second man, after England’s Martin Johnson, to lead the Lions twice.
Warburton, 28, led the Lions in the first two tests in Australia four years ago but missed the decider through injury, when compatriot Alun Wyn Jones took over as the Lions triumphed for a 2-1 series win.
Lock Jones replaced Warburton as Wales captain for the 2017 Six Nations, when Warburton enjoyed an impressive tournament in the back row.