The Four Men With The Shortest Odds For The Lions Captaincy If Warburton Is Overlooked

Wales and Cardiff Blues flanker Sam Warburton is expected to be sidelined for six weeks after suffering a knee injury.

The 2013 Lions tour captain has long been the bookies favourite for the captaincy this summer, but his injury has now casted serious doubt over that.

Warburton suffered a medial ligament strain during Cardiff’s 24-24 draw against Ulster in their Guinness PRO12 clash in Belfast last week, and while he should be back in time for the start of the tour, there could always be complications.

That being said, here are the four men in contention according to bookies.

Conor Murray, 20/21

The Munster and Ireland nine is still trying to overcome an injury himself, but it’s not too serious. He could be back for Munster’s semi-final clash with Saracens and as things stand should be the Test nine. While Murray has no real captaincy experience, he is a senior figure that will no doubt have the respect of the Lions squad and the All Blacks.

Rory Best, 6/4

The Ireland captain had an up and down Six Nations, but should travel as one of the three hooker. There’s no doubting his captaincy credentials, but the problem is whether or not he will be the Test hooker.

Owen Farrell, 19/10

Guaranteed to start and has proved on several occasions that he can lead a team. Paul O’Connell spoke very highly of his leadership credentials back in 2013 and could very well be the man to lead them in 2017.

Alun Wyn Jones, 19/10

Took over the Welsh captaincy from Warburton, but had a mixed Six Nations. Not guaranteed his spot in the Test squad, but showed he can lead the Lions after taking charge in the third Test back in 2013.