How the Lions leadership team looks after Alun Wyn Jones drops out

Below we take look at who makes up the Lions 2021 leadership group for the tour to South Africa this summer...

The Irish scrum-half veteran was unexpectedly named as Alun Wyn Jones' replacement as skipper for the tour to South Africa after the Wales captain dislocated his shoulder in the Lions' warm-up victory over Japan.

Speaking about the unexpected decision for the first time, Murray said: "Warren asked me just before the cap ceremony and it was surreal. I still don't have my head around, but it's something that is an unbelievable honour, something that I never thought would be possible."

He continued: "We’re very disappointed to lose Alun Wyn. He’s been brilliant for the first two weeks. I’ve known him from the past two tours and he's been incredible. It’s a huge loss.

One of life’s competitors, one of life’s Lions. Class is permanent.

Commenting on Farrell’s role within the tour party, Gatland said: I thought it was interesting that Owen ended up with the most votes out of anyone.

“That speaks volumes for the respect he is held in by the others players in the group, not just the England players, but a number of other players too."

"“He is a fantastic competitor. What he has achieved already in the game and the success he has achieved speaks for itself."

It should come as no surprise that the Scotland skipper was likely voted into the leadership group considering there is more Scots in the squad than any other point of the professional era.

Having been considered for the captaincy, Itoje is also likely in the leadership group. He is a force of nature. In a beaten team, he still makes a huge impact. In massive games, you know he will turn up. 

He’s almost a 1971 or ’74 throwback, a blazer-wearing, anthem-belting, proud Welshman – but a massive player with it. It's no shock that the hooker, who captained the Lions in a mid-week match in 2017, would be included in the leadership group as a front-row representative.