Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones had been the favourite to lead Warren Gatland’s Lions when they head to New Zealand this summer – but he’s no longer the bookies pick.
Rival Six Nations captains Dylan Hartley, of England, Ireland’s Rory Best and Wales’ Jones had all been backed for the role, but have also all been criticised during the tournament.
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But now it’s looking increasingly likely that Gatland may turn to Sam Warburton to lead the Lions again with Best, Hartley and Jones not far behind.
The 28-year-old was Gatland’s captain for the 2013 Lions success against Australia and he has also starred at the 2011 and 2015 World Cups for Wales.
Warburton’s form had dipped as he moved from the Wales seven jersey to six, but during the 2017 Six Nations, his displays have earned nothing but praise from rugby fans and pundits alike.