Wales Legend Shane Williams Backs Unlikely Candidate For Lions Captaincy

Two men currently lead the running for the 2017 Lions captaincy.

Sam Warburton who led the Lions in 2013, and current England captain Dylan Hartley are the clear frontrunners for the coveted role in New Zealand next summer.

Former Wales, Ospreys and Lions legend, Shane Williams reckons that either Warburton and Hartley would be excellent choices but has thrown a third man into the mix, who he reckons is the man for the job- Alun Wyn Jones.

Warren Gatland is fortunate in that he has at least three potentially outstanding Lions captaincy candidates to consider for the tour to New Zealand next year.

“Warburton led the tour to Australia in 2013 and made an excellent fist of it.

“Sam has an easy way about it and is good at dealing with the press. He has the skill of a diplomat, gets on well with referees and also sets a great example with his play.

“Hartley is a character transformed since taking on the England armband, someone who has tightened his discipline while retaining the up and at ‘em qualities that earned him a spot on the Test scene in the first place. He has clearly been a key figure in England’s resurgence of late.

“Having played alongside Alun Wyn and in teams that he has captained, I have limitless respect for him. He has a grumpy image in the press, but he is a man you are always glad to see lining up alongside you and he is truly an inspirational leader.

“Sam is probably favourite for the job, having worked so closely with Warren for so long. He’s a top leader and no one could argue too much if is picked, but I can’t stress enough that Alun Wyn would be a brilliant choice as well, perhaps the man I would go with.”

Do you agree with the former world player of the year?