Whiteley is the Lion King

It will be the third consecutive Super Rugby season that Whiteley captains the Lions and it is still a big honour for the 28-year-old.

"I absolutely love the role of captain for the Lions," said Whiteley. "Not only am I surrounded by so many leaders around me on the field, but I really enjoy the responsibility that comes with it. I enjoy making decision on and off the field.

"We are a great bunch of guys who all know what their roles are and what we work for. It has always been coach Ackers [Johan Ackermann] aim to grow the leadership in the group."

Whiteley expressed his excitement for the new Super Rugby format and says he expects all the teams to up their game. 

"I think the games this year will be even faster and more exciting than ever before. I think people are going to see rugby that they've never seen before. 

"Obviously the Japanese play a different brand of rugby while the Argentines' style is very similar to us South Africans," Whiteley added.

The Lions will start their Super Rugby campaign on tour next month with a match against Japan's Sunwolves before moving on to New Zealand to play the Chiefs and Highlanders.  

"I have never been in Japan and we are all looking forward the awesome experience," said Whiteley.