Sam Warburton announced as British and Irish Lions skipper after heroics over Australia in 2013


SAM WARBURTON will emulate Martin Johnson by becoming a two-times Lions captain.

The Wales flanker has been named as the 2017 skipper after his heroics in leading Warren Gatland’s men in their win over Australia in 2013.

Wales flanker Sam Warburton will captain the British Lions for their tour of New Zealand
Wales flanker Sam Warburton will captain the British Lions for their tour of New Zealand
PA:Press Association

Warburton has 74 Wales caps and will become just the second man to do the double like England World Cup winner Jono.


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He will be unveiled by Gatland at today’s squad announcement in London.

The 28-year-old is currently out with a knee injury.

However, he will be fit to tour with the rest of the squad when they set off to New Zealand at the end of May.

Warburton’s club boss Danny Wilson at the Cardiff Blues said: “When you think of the Lions and the amount of top-quality players and leaders that they will have, there will be more than one guy leading the ship.

“There will be leaders right across all areas, on and off the field.

“What Sam brings as a leader is he leads by example.

Martin Johnson is the only other man to captain the British Lions twice
Martin Johnson is the only other man to captain the British Lions twice
PA:Press Association
Sam Warburton skippered the British Lions back in 2013
Sam Warburton skippered the British Lions back in 2013
AP:Associated Press
Lions manager Warren Gatland will take his side to New Zealand at the end of May
Lions manager Warren Gatland will take his side to New Zealand at the end of May
Reuters

“That is probably his biggest trait.

“His work ethic, his professionalism, the way he conducts himself on and off the field is an example that people follow.”


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