B&I Lions reveal their new captain
NEWS: Ireland scrumhalf Conor Murray has been named as the new captain of the British and Irish Lions after original skipper Alun Wyn Jones was ruled out of the tour of South Africa by a dislocated shoulder.
Wales lock Jones suffered the injury eight minutes into the Lions’ 28-10 warm-up win over Japan in Edinburgh on Saturday and a similar injury in the same match has also ruled out compatriot Justin Tipuric.
Their places in the squad have been taken by two Wales internationals in Adam Beard and Josh Navidi.
Meet our new #LionsRugby 2021 Captain – Conor Murray 🦁
Not the way he would have wanted to become Captain but congratulations to the three time Lions Tourist 💪
A proven talent and an excellent leader 🙌 pic.twitter.com/mxtyHOjUj9
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 26, 2021
“We’re all incredibly disappointed for Alun Wyn and Justin,” said Lions coach, Warren Gatland in a statement.
“Alun Wyn will obviously be a big loss, both on and off the field, but will be ably replaced by Connor.
“Conor is an outstanding rugby player and is held in the highest regard with both the players and coaches. As a three-time Lions tourist, he knows what will be required as captain and I am certain he will lead the squad with excellence. He will also be well supported by an experienced leadership group.
“We plan for Adam and Josh to join up with the touring party before we depart for South Africa tomorrow [Sunday] evening.”
Exeter Chiefs quartet, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Stuart Hogg, Jonny Hill and Sam Simmonds will also link up with the 37-man touring party as planned in Edinburgh on Sunday.
