Brian O’Driscoll Has His Say On The Lions Captaincy & Coaching Team

Brian O’Driscoll has backed Welsh lock Alun Wyn Jones for the Lions captaincy in 2017.

The towering lock remains third favourite for the job at the bookies behind Wales captain Sam Warburton and England skipper Dyan Hartley.

The Former Leinster, Ireland and Lions captain, O’Driscoll told the Daily Telegraph:

“Alun Wyn has lots of experience. He captained the final game in 2013.

“He’s got a huge engine. I like him as a player.

“And Gats knows him. So I think he’ll be in the mix.

I know the second row of [George] Kruis and [Maro] Itoje looks great but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Itoje brought as a second row/back row option.”

Jones captained the Lions in the final test against Australia in the absence of Warburton, guiding his side to a memorable series test win.

Gatland is poised to name his backroom team next month and O’Driscoll has also backed Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell.

I think he has been incredibly influential,” O’Driscoll said.

“I have spoken to the boys and the very first session that he took they were incredibly excited about what he was saying, the enthusiasm that he had.

“The boys who were on the Lions tour in 2013 said he had brought his coaching to another level since then.

“When you give responsibility for defence to one person, I think it only adds value to the team because they are so focused.

“You have seen it with Wales for many years with Shaun [Edwards]. They get excited about how their defence goes. Attack for them is an added bonus but how their defence responds in a game is how they earn their crust.”

Who do you think should captain the Lions next year?