Itoje gets nod to play lead role for Lions Down Under'

MARO Itoje has become the first English captain of the British and Irish Lions since Martin Johnson in 2001 after being placed in charge of the squad bound for Australia this summer.

- By DUNCAN BECH

Head coach Andy Farrell has turned to the 2017 and 2021 Lions tourist after he impressed while leading England during this year’s Six Nations, helping his team finish runners-up.

The 93-cap Saracens second row, who has made six Test appearances for the Lions, said: “It feels amazing to be named captain.

“I’m deeply honoured, humbled, and I'll do my best to do the role justice. I'm very much looking forward to the challenge ahead, it’s going to be a great tour. I know the appetite among the players is extremely high, everyone is hungry to be a Lion and I can’t wait to play my role.”

Itoje’s leadership credentials were once questioned by former England head coach Eddie Jones, who in 2021 described the 30-year-old as “very inward-looking” and added he “doesn’t usually influence people off the field”. But he has disproved that assessment this season by taking charge of Saracens, England and now the Lions.