Shortlist.

Head coach Warren Gatland was asked about his British and Irish Lions captain for 2021 this week and gave his answer in typical fashion.

A number of names have been linked with the prestigious role in recent months with Sam Warburton, who captained the Lions on their last two tours, since retiring from the game.

Before that Paul O’Connell captained the Lions the last time they were in South Africa so perhaps maybe an Irishman will again in 2017?

Well, there’s a good chance based on Gatland’s shortlist – if you want to call it that. The New Zealander, when asked about potential captains, proceeded to name as many players as he possibly could.

A good way to keep us guessing I suppose!

“To be honest that decision is really made incredibly late. You look at lots of factors,” Gatland said.

“Potential captains [could be] Mako Vunipola, Jamie George, Ken Owens, Alun Wyn Jones, Maro Itoje, James Ryan, Justin Tipuric, Conor Murray, Johnny Sexton, Owen Farrell, George Ford, Jonathan Davies, Stuart Hogg, Stuart McInally, Fraser Brown… yeah, I don’t know.

“I haven’t even thought of those things. That decision will be made very later after we’ve picked the squad.

“Joe Launchbury is another person who could captain the side. Joe Simmonds is another one.

Who do you think should captain the Lions in South Africa?

Warren Gatland was speaking on behalf of Canterbury at the launch of the British & Irish Lions Pro jersey available at Canterbury.com