Rugby Itoje's set to captain the Lions for their tour of Australia

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.

- 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 also made six Test appearances for the Lions, was presented on stage at The O2 in London where Farrell named his squad for the 10-fixture itinerary.

"It feels amazing to be named Lions captain,’ said Itoje, who revealed that he found out the news when Farrell called him on Tuesday.

“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 amongst 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 that he “doesn’t usually influence people off the field”.