Warburton Still The Pick Of Captaincy Candidates

The clock is ticking in the run up to Warren Gatland’s Lions squad announcement, but for me there’s only one man to lead the touring party – Sam Warburton.

- Shane Williams

To be captain for the Lions there is a lot more involved than just being the leader on the pitch. The whole concept surrounding the team is now so big, so political, that you need to be used to dealing with all that.

If it was all about the 80 minutes, then I think Alun-Wyn Jones would be a perfect choice. But the fact is, Sam is an excellent politician, is used to dealing with the media, and is playing some of the best rugby of his career right now.

All three of those things make him the standout candidate in my opinion. Sam is highly regarded by Warren Gatland, too, and I know from my experience of working with both men that they get on really well. That’s so important when you’re away with the Lions and big decisions need to be made under the most intense pressure.

I still think there’s a chance Warren might pick two or three tour captains and I don’t really have an issue with that. You always have a leadership group made up of senior players and the captain, but for me you need someone established as the Test skipper.